The First Minister is to pay a controversial visit to a high school in the United States next week which selects pupils on the basis of their ability.
During his announcement to the Labour Party conference that skills academies would ensure “no child is left behind”, Jack McConnell said “no child should be held back either”, signalling a plan for the academically talented as well. He will see how Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Virginia helps high-flyers. He is thought to favour subject specialist schools.
