Education secretary John Swinney launched a review of how schools are to be governed this week, saying he wants schools to be the key decision makers when it comes to children’s education. Mr Swinney formally launched the review on Tuesday. It will consider how to “decentralise management” of schools and support headteachers to deliver their new responsibilities. However, councils, which look set to have less of a say in the running of schools, have warned Mr Swinney to “proceed with caution” and that he could do “irreparable damage” to Scottish education.

Scotland’s exam body has been bailed out by ministers after recording a £5 million deficit due to the extra costs of rolling out the new exams. The £4.9 million shortfall occurred in 2015-16 and follows a deficit of £3 million the previous year. Since 2014, the Scottish Qualifications Authority has been introducing a suite of new examinations for senior pupils, including the new National qualifications and the revamped Advanced Higher.

Campaigners are seeking a legal challenge against a decision that means pupils have to ask for parental permission to opt out of religious observance. The Humanist Society of Scotland is seeking a judicial review of the policy. Its chief executive, Gordon MacRae, said the policy was “a mess”.

The Girl Guides have launched a petition calling for education ministers to take a zero-tolerance approach to sexual harassment in schools after a report found that groping and cat-calling was dismissed as “banter” by teachers. The findings, which were revealed this week by Westminster’s Women and Equalities Committee, included evidence gathered from girls in Scotland.

@TESScotland