Three new bodies created in overhaul of Scottish education system

Three new national organisations are to be created in an overhaul of Scotland’s beleaguered education system.

A new public body will replace the heavily criticised Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), while a national agency will replace Education Scotland, the body currently responsible for both the curriculum and inspections.

The Scottish Government said a third new body will be created, an independent inspectorate, which will assess the overall performance of Scottish education.

The organisations will be required to work more closely with learners and education professionals.

The new organisations were announced as part of the Scottish Government’s response to a report on reform of the SQA and Education Scotland by independent adviser Professor Ken Muir, University of the West of Scotland.

The Scottish Government has broadly accepted all of Professor Muir’s recommendations, including making a commitment to lead a national discussion on the vision for the future of education.

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.”

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.”