We will use your email address only for sending you newsletters. Please see our Privacy Notice for details of your data protection rights.

Make the most of your money by signing up to our newsletter fornow

The cleverest Scottish children are a year’s worth of schooling behind at science compared to before the SNP took power, think tank the Sutton Trust found.

Both Ruth Davidson and Kezia Dugdale attacked the SNP during FMQs on Thursday, as they accused Ms Sturgeon of failing to uphold and improve Scottish educational standards.

Ms Davidson, the leader of the Scottish Conservatives, said: “It is a generation of Scottish children who are being left behind in the race for qualifications and future jobs.

“Scotland used to lead the world in education. Why under the SNP are we always playing catch up?”

In response, Ms Sturgeon said her political rival had done a disservice to pupils and teachers across Scotland.

“I do not and never will shy away from the challenges we must address,” she said.