ABSTRACT

There are several paradoxes at the heart of Scottish upper-secondary education. Other countries admire its alleged breadth and high standards, the high proportion of school leavers it sends on to university, and its pioneering modular system of vocational education; but within Scotland it is seen to be failing and in need of reform. It is embarking on a reform introduced by a Conservative government with the support of industry and the political right; but this reform will extend comprehensive education and is inspiring left-wing reformers south of the Border. The reform is one of the most radical and far-reaching attempted in any country at this level of education; but it has been moulded by vested interests, embodies an evolutionary strategy of change, and may yet fail to challenge the deep-rooted conservatism of Scottish secondary education.