AS OUR schools return after the summer break, I want to send my best wishes to all pupils, teachers and other staff for the year ahead.

Speaking to colleagues in teaching, I know things continue to get tougher in the classroom. Despite this, staff continue to do their utmost to provide the best educational experience for our children and young people, and they deserve our thanks and support.

Last week’s exam results in East Lothian demonstrated that there is much to be positive about here, especially the increase in the maths pass rate. I congratulate pupils and schools on their hard work and results. Anyone who is still uncertain about their next steps can find advice at myworldofwork.co.uk

However, while results here were generally encouraging, the overall picture in Scotland remains concerning. The pass rate has fallen, while the poverty-related attainment gap has widened across all qualifications.

This picture emerged after more chaos from the SQA, when thousands of pupils received a blank email instead of their exam results. It has been clear for many years that the SQA is not fit for purpose and should be abolished, but the SNP Government has fudged the issue. After first accepting that the SQA should go, ministers then decided to simply rebrand it as Qualifications Scotland.

The legislation required to do even that was only published in June, a year later than originally planned. The Education (Scotland) Bill has received a lukewarm reception from many in the sector. It does not set out the radical reform that most agree is so desperately needed, especially around exams and the separation of the awarding and regulation functions of the new qualifications body.

Young people have experienced years of exam chaos and frustration which has undermined confidence in the system. We need change, but it remains to be seen if the bill before Parliament can be strengthened to ensure that change can be delivered.