In a speech not long before Christmas, Education Secretary Jenny Girluth declared: “I believe that Scotland is at an educational juncture.”
She was correct, but the truth is that the nation has been stuck at that crossroads for a while, often appearing unsure of which way to turn.
In 2024, however, the country and its decision-makers will have to finally decide on the path they are going to take, on a range of significant issues.
Ms Gilruth signalled in her speech that she would attempt to “plot a pragmatic route forward”. It will be easier said than done.
The Scotsman has taken a look at some of the key challenges and opportunities ahead for Scottish education over the next 12 months.
There are many issues to be tackled in Scottish education in 2024 but arguably the most pressing is action to address a deterioration in pupil behaviour since the pandemic.
Parents across the nation are beset by worries about the safety of their children in local schools, as are the staff who have to deal with it.
Ms Gilruth appeared taken aback by the level of criticism she received at the end of November when the main proposal in her action plan to address the problem was a promise to produce a further “action plan” in the future.
When it eventually emerges, some measures will be relatively straight-forward to deliver, such as clearer guidance on exclusions policy and the recording of incidents.
Ultimately, however, making any kind of significant difference may come down to investment in staff.
Recently updated figures show 36.7 per cent of pupils in Scotland now have additional support needs, with the number almost doubling in the last decade, leading to calls for more support staff, as well as teachers.
