Scotland’s education system is to be radically overhauled with the creation of two new national agencies and an ‘independent inspectorate’.
Education Scotland and the Scottish Qualifications Authority are set to be scrapped and replaced by three new bodies, according to plans unveiled this week by ministers.
It follows a report from Professor Ken Muir, education expert and independent advisor to the Scottish Government, who made several recommendations for reform.
Exams and qualifications agency SQA will be replaced by a new public body which will be responsible for developing and awarding qualifications. It will also have a governance structure that is “more representative of” and “accountable to” learners, teachers and practitioners.
Meanwhile, a national agency for education will take the place of Education Scotland, providing “improved support and professional learning” to teachers and schools, as well as advice and guidance on curriculum, assessment, learning and teaching.
Finally, an independent inspectorate body will be created to develop new inspection models and help to assess the overall performance of Scottish education – currently a key responsibility of Education Scotland.
The organisations will be required to work more closely with learners and education professionals.
The SQA and Education Scotland will continue to deliver their functions while the new bodies are being developed to ensure “continuity for learners, including those sitting exams”.
The Scottish Government has accepted all of Professor Muir’s recommendations, including making a commitment to lead a national discussion on the vision for the future of education.
Professor Muir said: “As our students and society change over time, so too do our expectations of what we want and need from our education system. It is important that Scottish education reflects and responds to those changes in ways that offer opportunities for all current and future learners to thrive.
“The recommendations in my report are designed to ensure that the needs of every individual learner lie at the heart of all decisions taken and all that we do. They are designed to ensure that the voices of learners, teachers and practitioners have greater prominence and influence in decision making and that teachers and practitioners receive the support they need in carrying out their challenging and critically important teaching role.”
Education secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The three new education bodies will be underpinned by new values and governance. I have also announced my intention to work in partnership to build a new vision for Scottish education.
“These changes are designed to improve outcomes and build trust in Scotland’s education system. Our renewed system must reflect the culture and values we want to see embedded throughout; it must be a system that puts learners at the centre and provides excellent support for our teachers and practitioners.
“It must also be a system where there is clear accountability – democratic accountability, organisational accountability but also accountability to the learners, who have a right to expect the highest quality of learning and teaching while giving them the best chance of success.”
Related posts
Interviews
Comment
Why innovation and marketing are the perfect partners to make changes that matter
With the rapid evolution of traditional marketing and the appearance of digital marketing, technology and innovation has become part of any marketer’s life without the need of working for a…
Transitioning to a four-day week – CEO’s vow to strike a healthier balance in the workplace
I came to Scotland nearly 20 years ago from Ireland, with no contacts but a lot of determination. While Ireland will always be my home, Scotland has given me amazing…
Women Lead: The female-led company championing intuitive working
Over the last two years, the pandemic forced a shift to more remote and flexible working practices. Whilst we might be seeing a “return to normal”, some companies are choosing…
Women Lead: My passion for young people to consider a career in digital
Twenty years ago, I stumbled across my career in digital marketing almost by accident. It was during my honours degree in marketing at Glasgow Caledonian University. I was on work…
Women Lead: Inclusive Silicon Valley cohort gives hope to entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds
Things are happening on the Scottish tech scene. Big and small initiatives are creating a fantastic ripple effect on the sector, bottom up and top down, thanks to the recommendations…
Women Lead: The story of an entrepreneurial scientist
I first arrived in Scotland over 20 years ago. I had £75 in my wallet and a scholarship offer to do a PhD at the University of Edinburgh. Sometimes I…
Please mind the gap… or healthcare may fall
Imagine sharing a lengthy train journey with others. From beginning to end, imagine how often you might hear ‘mind the gap’ messages about embarking and disembarking safely. Picture how navigating…
Women Lead: My journey from Dragons’ Den to Silicon Valley
Following her appearance on Dragons’ Den, Sheila Hogan, serial entrepreneur, founder and chief executive of digital legacy vault, Biscuit Tin, shares her experience of her time in the Den and…