This paper brings together the main strengths and challenges currently facing Scottish education and outlines approaches to the ways forward. Knowledge about how to improve education systems has grown rapidly over the last two decades. One key challenge facing Scotland, and no doubt many other countries, is in ensuring a smooth "learner journey"--from the earliest years through school and to further education, training or work. The learner journey requires effective curriculum frameworks across sectors and articulation with the needs of employers and the economy. It also needs to extend to adult learning, family learning including parenting, and encouraging those not in work to seek refreshed and new skills to help gain employment. Such a system requires careful planning and extensive, coordinated partnerships across delivery agencies. This paper provides brief, high level accounts of the strengths and challenges across this broad, lifelong learning agenda. It highlights national initiatives that set out solutions aimed at further improving Scottish education. A bibliography is included.