ONE of Scotland’s most eminent educational organisations has called for radical change and issued a 10-point action plan for the country’s education system.

The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE), founded in 1783, believes education “must be more flexible, focusing on the skills needed in the modern world rather than sheer knowledge.”

As part of its plan, it is calling for direct communication between employers and educators to better understand what the economy needs.

But RSE said education must go beyond “job readiness” and include teaching that benefits the whole of society, as well as people’s individual needs and wants.

Its report, Education and Skills 2050: Future Proofing Scotland, released today also calls for parity between different types of higher education, including university, college and apprenticeships.

Janet Brown, RSE’s education committee convener, said: “As Scotland looks towards the future it is imperative that we reimagine its education system, processes and culture.

“The modern world is vastly different to the world that birthed the principles that still characterise the Scottish education system.

“The proposals we have suggested in this report for addressing educational reform will result in a close alignment with future needs that will be better for Scotland’s learners at all levels and ages, and for society as a whole.”

A Scottish government spokesperson said: “Ministers are determined to drive further improvements across Scotland’s schools, which is why a major programme of reform is being undertaken which will strengthen the national education landscape to meet the needs of future generations.”