Rachael Hamilton

THE SNP's record in government has been dreadful pretty much across the board.

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But it’s notable that many of the most disastrous failings have been in the very area that Nicola Sturgeon, below, claimed was her number one priority, and the thing she wanted to be judged on.

Scotland's education system used to be world-renowned.

Figures out this week, however, show dissatisfaction with Scottish schools is at record levels, and that it has soared since the Nats came to office.

Standards in international league tables have plummeted, and there is an epidemic of disorder and violence in classrooms that leaves teachers, and the majority of well-behaved students, at risk. The attainment gap between the best-off and worst-off pupils actually widened on their watch.