ATL

Scotland

ATL Scotland national official Keith Robson looks at how education has fared ten years on from devolution

The tenth anniversary of devolution has seen a plethora of articles, reports and pronouncements on its success. Devolution may be of little interest to members in England, however it continues to have an impact across the UK.

I write this column as The Times quotes its own research (with academics), stating that "education and health have been failed by devolution". Attainment by primary pupils and school-leavers has "risen markedly" in England, while the "Scottish education system has shown little progress in pupil attainment".

The Times article asserts that "Scotland faces the prospect of being overtaken by England in terms of the quality of its education system". I will leave the politicians, political commentators and bloggers to pick over the bones of this one.

The McCrone settlement has meant that teachers are better paid and work shorter hours than prior to devolution. The probation system is viewed as leading to better-trained teachers than ever before and being a key influence on why teacher professionalism is deemed to be at an all-time high.

These improvements have had some positive knock-on effects on teachers in England and Wales through social partnership. It is also certain that teachers in Scotland have a greater level of expectation on them, not just in relation to CPD, but the introduction of a Code of Professionalism and Conduct from the GTC Scotland.

While challenges in attainment, the curriculum and fit-for-purpose buildings remain, I would argue that devolution has been a success.