Rod O'Donnell says parents and pupils back the scheme

"Any initiative aimed at dealing with underachievement and closing the attainment gap is to be welcomed."

The 60 first year pupils who achieved the best test results in primary school have been placed into two classes at the Pollok school.

They are being taught all their subjects together in the first two years.

This takes the school - in an area of high unemployment and social deprivation - beyond the "setting" system which exists in many Scottish schools.

Controversial issue

Pupils of similar ability are placed together under this system but only for individual lessons.

It has been suggested that Ms Jamieson's backing for the Pollok initiative could signal a government turnaround on what is a controversial issue.

Opponents have described the initiative at St Paul's as divisive.

They say it goes against the principles of comprehensive education, in which pupils of mixed ability are taught together.

'All abilities'

However, head teacher Rod O'Donnell said he had the support of both parents and teachers.

"I am trying to give every child in my school an appropriate education that will allow their potential to be realised," he said.

"That covers all abilities and all potentials.

"I reject completely that this school is turning its back on comprehensive education. It is a strong supporter of comprehensive education."