SNP INVESTMENT IN EDUCATION PAYS DIVIDENDS

The SNP it today welcoming a new expert report which has found that Scotland’s higher education system is “world-class” – and that the impact of the research of Scotland’s higher education institutions is performing higher than the UK average.
 
The research Excellent Framework (REF) 2014 results has found that each of Scotland’s 18 higher education institutions undertakes research of “world-leading” quality – and that 77 per cent of Scottish research submitted to REF in 2014 was “world-leading” compared to a UK average of 76.1 per cent.
 
This new report comes on the back of previous studies showing Scotland as the “most highly-educated country in Europe” and the best place to study in the UK.
 
Commenting, SNP MSP Stewart Maxwell said:
 
“This report is a welcome confirmation of the incredible strength of Scotland’s higher education sector – and shows that the SNP’s continued commitment to our universities is paying dividends.
 
“Scotland’s higher education sector is leading the world - and it’s right that the hard work of students and staff is recognised in helping to achieve these extraordinary results. That Scotland’s universities are outperforming the rest of the UK in research is testament to their skills and hard work.
 
“That we have managed to create the circumstances in which our universities can thrive to this extent – and ensure that university education continues to be based on the ability to learn rather than the ability to pay – is one of the great successes of the SNP in government.  And with continued SNP investment in our education sector, our universities will continue to go from strength to strength.”