The "great debate" on the future of Scottish education has produced overwhelming support for the comprehensive system, according to the minister responsible.

A majority of Scots who took part in the National Debate on Education backed the system.

But they also called for a more flexible curriculum and questioned the amount of tests pupils sit.

The results of the debate were announced by Cathy Jamieson in the Scottish Parliament.

The Scottish Executive said in March that it wanted to stimulate a wide-ranging debate on the shape of education in the future.

Cathy Jamieson: "Strong, positive messages"

The responses it received covered everything from teachers, resources and class sizes to the subject selection and structure of the school day.

Although the curriculum was praised, it was suggested that it should offer more flexibility and scope for learning "soft skills" like citizenship and communication.

There were also questions over the amount of pupil testing and the burden it placed on children and teachers.

Ms Jamieson told parliament she would listen to the concerns of those who took part in the consultation exercise.

She said: "Some strong, positive messages came through from the responses.

'Drive forward'

"But there are hard messages too about the need for improvements.

"Concerns were raised about the pace of change, the level of resources for schools and the effects of indiscipline.

"There were calls for greater curriculum flexibility and more local control of decisions."

The minister said she would "drive forward" improvements within the education system.

"I want teachers, parents and other education professionals to work with us to create the stable framework that people want," she added.

The executive will use the findings of the report to draw up a long-term strategy for education.

The fact is that the comprehensive system all too often condemns pupils living in deprived areas to sub-standard education

Tory MSP Murdo Fraser

It is expected to be published next year.

The Scottish National Party's deputy education spokeswoman Fiona Hyslop said it was "crystal clear" from the consultation process that there was a strong desire for smaller class sizes.

She asked what the executive was doing to tackle the issue.

Ms Jamieson said the executive had introduced classroom assistants in schools throughout the country who had eased the burden of teachers.

Widespread support

The Tory deputy education spokesman Murdo Fraser criticised the executive's intention to stick with the traditional comprehensive system.

He highlighted Prime Minster Tony Blair's speech last week in which he said Britain was entering a "post-comprehensive era".

Mr Fraser said: "The fact is that the comprehensive system all too often condemns pupils living in deprived areas to sub-standard education."

Independent MSP Dennis Canavan called on the minister to reject Tony Blair's education policies, claiming that the comprehensive system had widespread support throughout Scotland.