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The Scottish Government expects the Scottish National Standardised Assessments to replace other similar assessments used in local authorities. The Scottish Government does not hold information on local authority assessment plans.

The following table shows how many places have been made available each year for undergraduate and postgraduate teacher education courses by Scottish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) from 2007-08 to 2017-18.

Places made available - Intake Targets for Undergraduate and Postgraduate teacher education courses at Scottish HEIs, UK and EU domiciled, by institution

Source: Scottish Funding Council

The following table shows the number of undergraduate and postgraduate entrants each year on teacher education courses by Scottish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) from 2007-08 to 2015-16. 2015-16 data is the latest data available from the Higher Education Statistics Authority (HESA). 2016-17 data will be published in January 2018.

Places taken up - Entrants on Undergraduate and Postgraduate teacher education courses at Scottish HEIs, UK and EU domiciled, by institution

Source: HESA, SG analysis

Figures have been rounded to the nearest 5. Totals are calculated on rounded numbers.

Using HESA variable TQSSEC and CTITLE

We are currently considering the terms of the Scottish National Standardised Assessment contract in relation to the provision of assessment data.

Waste to energy incineration is not classed as recycling.

The Public Records (Scotland) Act 2011 sets out the legal requirements for public bodies for records management which includes Education Scotland’s records management plan.

I announced on 22 August 2017 during my visit to the Northern Isles that a scheme to significantly reduce fares on Northern Isles ferry services will be rolled out in the first half of 2018.

Further details on timing will be made available in due course.

Following a commitment in the Ferries Plan 2013-2022, Transport Scotland, under guidance of a Working Group of key stakeholders, is currently conducting a comprehensive review of ferry freight fares.

The review has proved to be complex and has raised a number of technical points that have to be addressed, and identified some existing anomalies within the current fares structure.

Significant progress has been made, however I need to undertake further exploration with my officials in relation to several specific aspects raised by the review. Accordingly, I am not yet in a position to make a firm announcement at this moment, but hope to do so once these aspects have been fully worked through and conclusions reached.

The Education Governance: Next Steps document sets out a commitment to establish a Scottish Education Council. As part of that process, we are reviewing existing governance structures, including the Curriculum for Excellence Management Board, the Curriculum for Excellence Implementation Group and the Assessment and National Qualifications (ANQ) Group.

Regardless of any future changes, we remain committed to reviewing National 4 as a matter of priority. As part of this, officials will meet with members of the Assessment and National Qualifications Group on 25 October to discuss National 4.

The Scottish Government understands the Islands Councils will be working with partners and stakeholders to develop detailed proposals for single public authority models of delivering local services. We will provide assistance on specific issues where it is agreed that Scottish Government input would be helpful.

The Scottish Government will consider all specific requests for assistance from the Islands Councils and other partners as they work with stakeholders, including trade unions and communities, to develop proposals for single public authority models of delivering local services. The proposals must clearly show how they will improve people’s lives, create efficiencies and protect local democracy and our NHS.