Scotland’s global education advice panel meets for the first time

The panel – which includes members from Australia, the US, Canada, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Malaysia, and the UK – was set up by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon after May's Scottish Parliament elections.

It advises the Scottish government on education priorities and ensure its plans are influenced by international best practice.

The panel heard from pupils and teachers at Windygoul Primary School in Tranent, East Lothian.

The first minister explained the importance of closing the attainment gap between rich and poor pupils in Scotland's schools. She said: "Education is the top priority for this government and I want to ensure that Scotland is a global leader.

"The deputy first minister has set out the actions we will take to substantially close the attainment gap and deliver a world-class education system in Scotland.

"The international council will bring a global perspective to this work, scrutinising our plans against the backdrop of their substantial expertise and ensuring we learn lessons from other parts of the world."