EDUCATION Secretary John Swinney has hailed improved “autonomy” for Scottish head teachers after results of a Government survey were released.

Some 88% of head teachers responding to a survey carried out in June said they had the freedom to design the senior phase for pupils.

However, almost three-quarters of head teachers have said timetabling pressures affect their ability to meet the needs of young people in the later years of high school, according to a survey.

Swinney said: “Almost nine out of 10 head teachers say they have the autonomy to determine the senior phase in their school. This demonstrates that our focus on empowering schools is working and that schools are making decisions about how best to meet the needs and aspirations of their pupils.”

The study also asked teachers to list factors they believe constrain their ability to develop a senior phase that meets the needs of pupils.

Some 74% suggested timing was an issue, while 57% of respondents cited the availability of supply teachers. Constraints on resources available to head teachers were listed by 66% and the inability to find appropriate partners to help deliver the senior phase was mentioned by 48%.

Commenting, Scottish Labour’s Iain Gray said: “It’s time for Swinney to give our schools the resources they need to allow all pupils to succeed.”