Nicola Sturgeon will outline her plans to make Scotland a 'global leader' in education on Wednesday.

The First Minister will set out her government's programme for the next five years at the Scottish Parliament. Sturgeon is expected to list education as a "key focus" of her policy programme.

Sturgeon will say: "Before the election I said that our comprehensive programme for the next five years was my job application - it is now this Government's blueprint for delivery.

"Education is the key focus, and one of the first decisions taken at the first cabinet meeting since the election was the formation of an international council of education advisers - a panel of internationally renowned experts to advise on improvements to Scotland's education system.

"I want our country to be a global leader in education through learning lessons from around the world - it is simply the most important tool we have for ensuring every youngster living in Scotland today has the support they need to pursue success."

At her first cabinet reshuffle after the election Sturgeon moved deputy first minister John Swinney from finance secretary to education secretary. The move was widely seen as the SNP leader prioritising the role above others.

The SNP will now govern as a minority government as they failed to secure 65 seats at the election. Sturgeon will vow to work in a "spirit of consensus" with other parties.

Sturgeon will say: "This equality of opportunity will make a huge difference to the lives of individuals the length and breadth of our country; but it will also do so much more. It has the capacity to transform our country in terms of our economic performance, our health and overall standards of living and the quality of life for all of us. In short, it will create not just a fairer nation, but one that is wealthier, healthier and happier.

"That aspiration is one which I believe is widely shared across the parliamentary chamber, which is why I am focused on building support around these priorities from all sides of the political spectrum.

"I will pursue our objectives with vigour and determination, but also in a spirit of consensus so that our national parliament can help improve the lives of everyone living in Scotland."

The First Minister will address the Scottish Parliament at 2pm.

Opposition parties will also have the chance to respond to the government's programme over Wednesday and Thursday following Sturgeon's address.

A vote will also take place later in the day to extend First Minister's Questions from 30 minutes to 45 minutes. The extension would aim to give backbench MSPs greater opportunities to question the First Minister.