Subject choice used to be set at a ‘gold standard’ of eight in the senior phase. We know that is not an option here in Fife.

There are 18 high schools in Fife and none of them appear to offer eight subject choices at S4 any longer.

Now it seems the Scottish Government has realised there is a problem, with Holyrood’s Education Committee expressing concern at the reduction in course choice and setting up an inquiry.

What is most shocking about this is that committee convener Clare Adamson MSP believes it ‘may seem like a small issue’.

It is far from a small issue, it is an issue that has a potentially huge impact when it comes to having the relevant qualifications for a number of university courses as well as jobs and college applications.

The Fife Conservatives have previously asked about the implications of a reduction in subject choices in Fife as we are well aware this is one of the major concerns expressed by parents, both locally and across the country.

We have never been provided with a satisfactory answer by the administration.

Due to draconian cuts to local authorities by the SNP government we are seeing a reduction in promoted teaching posts here in Fife which in turn has an impact on subject choice.

Both Beath and Lochgelly High are down to six options in the senior phase. Apprenticeships are one alternative route but they should not be the only option and limiting choices in school is quite simply unacceptable.

It is quite simply astounding that for a government that claims education to be its number one priority has got to a position where schools are offering fewer and fewer options of subjects.

COUNCILLOR KATHLEEN LESLIE,

Scottish Conservatives, Burntisland, Kinghorn & Western Kirkcaldy ward.