Convener

*Stewart Maxwell (West Scotland) (SNP)

Deputy convener

*Neil Bibby (West Scotland) (Lab)

Committee members

*George Adam (Paisley) (SNP)

*Clare Adamson (Central Scotland) (SNP)

*Jayne Baxter (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab)

*Colin Beattie (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP)

*Gordon MacDonald (Edinburgh Pentlands) (SNP)

*Liam McArthur (Orkney Islands) (LD)

*Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con)

Committee substitutes

Kezia Dugdale (Lothian) (Lab)

Joan McAlpine (South Scotland) (SNP)

Tavish Scott (Shetland Islands) (LD)

Liz Smith (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con)

The following also participated:

Councillor Douglas Chapman (Convention of Scottish Local Authorities)

Derek Mackay (Minister for Local Government and Planning)

Robert Nicol (Convention of Scottish Local Authorities)

Fiona Robertson (Scottish Government)

Michael Russell (Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning)

Bill Stitt (Scottish Government)

John Stodter (Association of Directors of Education in Scotland)

Clerk to the committee

Terry Shevlin