Mairi McAllan: “These results demonstrate that Scotland’s education system is competitive by international standards, performing above…”

I don’t want there to be too many exceptions so as not to undermine the underlying principle.

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.

I’ve already been clear that I don’t, for example, support a nationwide rollout of the pouches that we have seen because they are expensive.

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