Swinney appointed as Scottish education secretary

Pledges to make closing the attainment gap a “top priority” for the Scottish government.

Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, has put John Swinney, the former finance secretary, in charge of education including universities.

Swinney, who as the longest service of anyone in the Scottish cabinet, will focus on closing the attainment gap and widening access to higher and further education for those from deprived backgrounds, according to a statement from the Scottish government. He will continue to serve as deputy first minister and will have additional responsibility for public-sector reform across government.