Governing Strategies and Education Policy: the SNP in Government, 2007–2016

Abstract

This article considers education policy under the SNP Governments from 2007–2016. It deals with aspects from primary, secondary and tertiary education. The main approach of the article is to examine the role of education policy within the broad context of SNP governing strategy. Education is treated as a key element of strategy throughout the policy period. The SNP's long-term strategic aim is independence for Scotland. The article examines ways in which governing strategy, and education policy in particular, were used by the SNP within the constraints of devolution during the period 2007–2016. The political background to that strategy changed significantly during the period. The article discusses the opportunities and challenges presented to the SNP in the context of diverging views on education and other elements of economic and social policy within the UK, particularly in the period after the 2015 General Election.