PRIVATE and state schools should collaborate to drive up standards of education, John Swinney has said.

The Education Secretary said he was interested in learning from independent schools to “foster an atmosphere of collaboration”.

Mr Swinney’s comments come at a time when the Scottish Government is examining more powers over funding for state school headteachers.

Ministers are already pressing ahead with the introduction of standardised tests for all pupils in primary and secondary schools.

While private schools heads are answerable to their boards they have significant autonomy, while pupil assessments are central to the work of most independent schools.

Mr Swinney said told the annual conference of the Scottish Council of Independent Schools (Scis): “I am clear the independent sector has a role to play in the education system in Scotland.

“Everyone involved in the education of our young people – no matter the setting – wants to do the best for each and every child in our care and stewardship.

“To address this shared endeavour, I am interested in exploring with the independent sector how we can foster an environment and atmosphere of collaboration to ensure that we are learning as much and participating in as much as we can together.”

John Edward, director of Scis, welcomed the comments and said private schools saw themselves as part of the wider Scottish system.

Many schools already collaborate on an ad hoc basis to offer facilities or courses that would not otherwise be available.

Mr Edward said: “If ultimately Mr Swinney’s agenda is to make sure every child has access to the same level of opportunity then that is something we would be happy to help with.

“We have a clear view on the importance of strong school governance, the involvement of parents and testing of children, but there are also many things that we can learn also from local authorities.

“There are reasons why collaboration doesn’t always happen, but we believe it is a positive step that would benefit Scottish pupils.”