SCOTLAND MOST HIGHLY EDUCATED COUNTRY IN EUROPE

The SNP has welcomed new ONS figures showing that Scotland is the most highly educated country in Europe – and among the best-educated in the world.

A new regional compendium by the ONS has found that more than two-fifths of people in Scotland aged between 25 and 64 are educated to tertiary level – the highest level in Europe and one of the highest in the world.

The study has also found that Scotland has a high proportion of the population going into higher and tertiary education – which ONS chief economic adviser Joe Grice has described as “…just about the highest in the world”.

Mr Grice also went on to say that these figures are “quite strong indications of a skilled workforce in Scotland.”

Commenting, SNP MSP Stewart Maxwell said: 

“These figures are a welcome endorsement of the strength of Scotland’s world-class education sector – and an example of the Scottish Government’s commitment to our education system paying dividends.


“In Scotland we are committed to delivering a first class education based on the ability to learn rather than the ability to pay – which is exactly why the proportion of people in Scotland going into higher and tertiary education is ‘just about the highest in the world’. 


“That the ONS has also pointed out that these figures indicate the strength and skills of Scotland’s workforce confirm one of the most important underlying strengths of the Scottish economy – and shows that Scotland has what it takes to be a successful, prosperous, independent country.


“With a YES vote we can build on this progress and further strengthen our education system – ensuring that education remains free and the experience of students in Scotland is not hampered by the cuts coming down the line from Westminster.”