Committee invites assessment of proposed reforms to Scottish Education

The Bill was introduced by the Scottish Government in response to a range of reports, including the OECD Review of the Curriculum for Excellence, as part of a programme of educational reforms.

Under the proposals in the Bill, Qualifications Scotland would replace the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). The new body would be responsible for developing and awarding qualifications, with learners, teachers and others involved in decision-making. Qualifications Scotland would also have an independent Accreditation Committee which would be responsible for ensuring that qualifications meet certain requirements.

The Bill would also establish a Chief Inspector of Education, who would be responsible for inspecting and reporting on nurseries, schools, colleges, and other educational providers, publishing reports on the performance of the Scottish education system and telling Scottish Ministers when a school or education authority is not making necessary improvements.

The Committee is particularly keen to hear from children and young people, teachers and others who would be impacted by the Bill’s reforms.

Sue Webber MSP, Convener of the Education, Children and Young People Committee, said:

“The work done by Professor Ken Muir and the OECD provided the Scottish Government with clear recommendations on how the Scottish education system could be improved, so we are looking forward to examining how the Government has approached this in the Education (Scotland) Bill.

“In delivering this draft legislation, the Scottish Government has outlined that it wants to better support pupils and teachers, so we are particularly keen to hear what they make of the proposed reforms.

“Our consultation will be open until Friday 30th August 2024, and I would urge anyone with an interest in the proposals to share their views.”