SCOTTISH Education Secretary John Swinney told teachers that the Edinburgh government will impose new standardised assessments despite widespread opposition and fears that they will add to the burden on teachers and students.

Speaking at the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) AGM in Dundee, Mr Swinney vowed to close the attainment gap within 10 years, and said that the new assessments were vital to “encourage and drive educational achievement.”

Delegates booed Mr Swinney when he claimed that the assessments would not add to teacher workload and would be marked electronically.