A national debate on the future of school education will be launched in March, and run through the spring and summer. The intention is to produce a vision and strategy document early in 2003.

It is not clear whether Ms Jamieson expects the debate to be followed by the same kind of heart-searching and frenzied reform which ensued south of the border after James Callaghan’s Great Debate speech at Ruskin College 25 years ago.

Meanwhile, Scottish education officials have also launched new guidance to help local authorities draw up policies for educating children unable to attend school because of prolonged ill health.

Scots authorities now have a duty to make special arrangements for these children.