THE head of Scotland's joint schools inspectorate and curriculum body is to step down after six years in the post.

Dr Bill Maxwell, who has been chief executive of Education Scotland since it was created in 2011, has announced his intention to retire in June this year.

Dr Maxwell has been at the helm of the organisation during a period when the organisation has been dogged by accusations of poor communication with schools and unnecessary classroom bureaucracy.

The setting up of Education Scotland following a merger of HM Inspectorate of Education and Learning and Teaching Scotland in 2011 has also been heavily criticised because it merges the functions of curriculum development and evaluation under the same umbrella body.

Mr Maxwell said it had been a "tremendous privilege" to lead the body adding: "As the agency looks towards creating its next strategic plan later this year it will be considering how to adapt its role.

"This is the right time for making a transition to new leadership and I wish my successor every success in ensuring the agency thrives through the next phase of its development.”

John Swinney, the Education Secretary, said: "I would like to convey my thanks and appreciation to Dr Bill Maxwell for the significant contribution he has made to the leadership and improvement of education in Scotland.

"Bill has overseen our system of school inspection and has ensured a clear focus on improvement. He has been passionate about the fact that a good education unlocks potential for every child and young person and ?his thoughtful and carefully considered advice has been greatly appreciated."

The announcement came as the Scottish Liberal Democrats repeated calls for the two functions of Education Scotland to be split up.

The party will use their education debate this wee to ask the Scottish Parliament to vote on separating the inspection and policy function.

Scottish Liberal Democrat education spokesperson Tavish Scott said: "Education policy and school guidance must be separate from inspecting schools."