Early in session 6 the Committee looked at the prospect of education reform in Scotland. The Scottish Government commissioned two independent reports to outline how its approach to qualifications and skills could be improved.
‘It's Our Future - Independent Review of Qualifications and Assessment’, also known as ‘The Hayward Review’, was published by Professor Louise Hayward in June 2023. It recommends several changes to qualifications and assessment in Scotland.
‘Fit for the Future: developing a post-school learning system to fuel economic transformation’, also known as 'The Withers Report', was published by James Withers in June 2023 and recommends changes to the planning and funding of skills delivery in Scotland.
The Committee decided to scrutinise the reports and the Scottish Government’s response to them.
The inquiry was discussed at the following Committee meetings:
The Committee heard from different University representatives.
The Committee has sent and received the following correspondence during the inquiry:
Letter from the Minister for Higher and Further Education; and Minister for Veterans, 25 June 2024
Letter from the Minister for Higher and Further Education, 27 March 2024
Joint letter from the Minister for Higher and Further Education, the Chief Executive Officer of Colleges Scotland, and the Chief Executive of the Scottish Funding Council, 5 March 2024
Letter from the Minister for Higher and Further Education, Graeme Dey, 27 February 2024
Briefing from Universities Scotland, 5 January 2024
Briefing from Colleges Scotland, 22 December 2023
Letter from the Minister for Higher and Further Education; and Minister for Veterans, 22 December 2023
Briefing from Universities Scotland, 15 November 2023
Letter and Report from Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills 22 June 2023
Letter from Professor Louise Hayward 3rd March 2023
letter from Cabinet secretary for Education and Skills, 12 December 2022
Letter from Professor Louise Hayward on the Independent Review of Qualifications and Assessment.
Letter to the Cabinet Secretary Education and Skills from the Convener 30 September 2022
Letter from Professor Heyward regarding Independent Review of Qualifications and Assessment
Letter from Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills