Mairi McAllan: “There's no greater investment to be made than in a series of measures to support children to achieve everything they can…”

These results demonstrate that Scotland’s education system is competitive by international standards, performing above the OECD average on four measures out of five.

I believe the document should remain in Scotland permanently, adding that discussions with the UK Government over its longer-term future would continue.

Once this happens, the Scottish Government and its public bodies will further focus support on improving economic and social opportunities which help the growth of the Gaelic language for generations to come.

While recognising the positives, these results also underline the need for change in certain areas – change that I intend to lead in the coming period to ensure excellence and equity for all Scotland’s young people.