Jamie Stone hits out over decline in Scotland’s education standards
Jamie Stone has blamed the SNP for a “continuous decline in education standards”, even though teachers are doing “their level best”.
The Liberal Democrat MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross outlined his concerns over staff vacancies in Highland schools during a Westminster debate on education and opportunity.
Mr Stone pointed out that secondaries at Ullapool, Kinlochbervie, Farr and Gairloch had all been affected by a lack of staff.
“Kids simply are not being taught what they ought to be taught and are having to rely in some cases on online learning, which is scarcely satisfactory,” he said.
“Scotland’s education system used to be the envy of the world. However, under this SNP government, we have witnessed the significant and continuous decline in education standards across the country.
“The staff do their level best under incredibly difficult conditions and it is entirely wrong that today’s pupils do not have the same educational opportunities that I had when I was their age.
“I am duty-bound to raise these issues, because to sit and say nothing would be to let down an entire generation of young people and the excellent teachers who deserve better.”
Shadow education secretary Damian Hinds commended Mr Stone for being a powerful voice for rural communities, and suggesting the House of Commons hold a future debate on the Scottish education system.
