An East Renfrewshire politician has voiced fears that a review of Scotland's education system will be a "whitewash."

Jackson Carlaw spoke out after MSPs voted by 63 to 60 for a "full review" into the senior phase of the Curriculum for Excellence, as well as a full review of 'broad general education,' which covers learning from the early years right up to the end of S3.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon appeared to question whether this is necessary, noting the Education Secretary has already instructed an examination of the senior phase of education, while a review into schooling up to the end of S5 was carried out a few years ago.

Mr Carlaw, who is MSP for Eastwood and also interim leader of the Scottish Conservatives, claimed ministers consistently dismiss and undermine concerns about the state of the Scottish education system.

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He added there was a suspicion that the review will be "a whitewash, not a proper investigation into the real problems that exist."

Speaking during First Minister's Questions today, Mr Carlaw added: "It is the things that are going wrong that this government consistently dismisses, undermines and refuses to engage with."

He pressed the First Minister less than 24 hours after the Scottish Government was defeated on the issue at Holyrood.

During yesterday's debate, MSPs raised concerns about issues such as subject choice and classes where pupils studying for different levels of exams are all taught together.

Mr Carlaw insists the education review must "focus on the things that are going wrong" in Scotland's schools.

Confirming a review will be held, Ms Sturgeon stressed the "Scottish Government will abide by the decision of Parliament yesterday."

John Swinney, Deputy First Minister and Education Secretary, will "set out in due course how that will be taken forward," she added.

However, Ms Sturgeon continued: "Looking at Highers, when we took office less than half of pupils left school with a Higher. The percentage was 41.6 per cent – today almost two-thirds of pupils leave school with a Higher.

"In 2009, the percentage of pupils leaving school with five passes or better was 22.2 per cent – today that is more than 30 per cent – so I readily accept further improvement is required. That is why we are taking the action that we are taking.

"What would be good once in a while is for Jackson Carlaw to accept the progress these statistics say has taken place in Scottish education."