Scotland's schools have recorded their worst-ever performance in maths and reading in the latest international Pisa rankings, with pupils in some subjects now over a year behind those in England. The 2025 study, co-ordinated by the OECD, prompted accusations that the SNP government has taken a "wrecking ball" to education, with critics saying two decades of Nationalist rule have destroyed a system once renowned worldwide.

Scotland scored 467 points in maths (down from 471 in 2022, and well below England's 492), while reading fell to a record low of 488 points, down from 493 and behind England's 497. Science improved slightly to 491 points but remained far below England's 516 and below pre-2012 levels. Analysis by Professor Lindsay Paterson found Scottish pupils are now 19 months behind in maths, 14 months in science and eight months in reading compared with when the Curriculum for Excellence was introduced in 2010, and that Scotland now trails countries including Turkey, Lithuania, Estonia and Czechia in some areas, while England would rank among the world's top performers if assessed separately.