The Educational Institute of Scotland - which represents the great majority of Scottish teachers - says 11,975 teachers and further education lecturers (86%) had voted in support of a boycott with 1,957 (14%) against. The turnout was 61%.

The institute's General Secretary, Ronnie Smith, said the result reflected the "seriousness of concern" among teachers that the necessary arrangements were not in place for the 'Higher Still' programme to begin as scheduled in August.

He said the vote also indicated strong support for the union in "the hard process of negotiation" to win improvements in the arrangements.

Mr Smith said clarification was now needed of what he called "further concessions" announced this week by the Scottish Education Minister, Helen Liddell.

'Clarification needed'

During Scottish questions in the House of Commons on Tuesday, Mrs Liddell invited the institute to participate in a liaison group that would consider phasing in Higher Still where it could be proved that there were "exceptional difficulties" exist in a specific subject or particular schools.

"Tuesday's announcement raises a whole number of questions on which teachers must receive clarification," Mr Smith said.

"The EIS has a responsibility to protect all its members from unreasonable imposed burdens and pressures."

Phasing in the programme could not be a solution if there was any expectation that teachers could be "pressurised" into going ahead with the new programme without being fully trained and fully equipped for it.

The ballot result is to be considered by the institute's executive council on November 20.

The Higher Still changes will replace the present Highers with five levels of attainment and are intended to bring together traditional 'academic' subjects with those seen as more work-orientated.

Standard Grade courses in the third and fourth years of secondary school will continue as at present. Some Higher Still courses and units, however, may be used in third and fourth years if a school wishes to do so.