DIVIDE IN ATTAINMENT BETWEEN WEST AND EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE UNACCEPTABLE- FINNIE

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 23rd Sep 2009

DIVIDE IN ATTAINMENT BETWEEN WEST AND EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE UNACCEPTABLE- FINNIE

West of Scotland Liberal Democrat MSP Ross Finnie has called the ever increasing divide in exam attainment between West and East Dunbartonshire unacceptable and has demanded the Scottish Government tackle it.

West Dunbartonshire was amongst the lowest performing local authorities in exam results with only 18% of pupils passing three or more highers in S5, compared to the Scottish average of 23%. East Dunbartonshire was amongst the highest ranking local authorities with 39% of pupils passing three or more highers in S5.

Commenting Mr Finnie said:

"The Scottish Government must tackle the ever increasing divide between East and West Dunbartonshire in exam attainment. Although the quality of education provided in West Dunbartonshire schools is not in doubt, the reasons for the continued below average attainment compared to there Eastern neighbours must be examined.

"It is unacceptable that pupils in East Dunbartonshire have an attainment level more than double that of pupils in West Dunbartonshire.

"The Scottish Government must work harder to improve attainment levels in areas like West Dunbartonshire and ensure that young people from West Dunbartonshire are given as good a chance as young people in East Dunbartonshire."

Ends

Notes to Editors

Figures can be found at the Scottish Government Website at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/09/17165819/16