This consultation was hosted on behalf of Professor Ken Muir, University of the West of Scotland, in his role as independent advisor to the Scottish Government on the replacement of the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) and the reform of Education Scotland. We asked for your views on the future shape of the education agencies and wider education system.
The full public consultation was divided into four areas for which views were sought:
The consultation attracted 764 responses from individuals, groups of individuals, organisations and groups of stakeholders.
Overall, respondents supported the Curriculum for Excellence and the four capacities. While it was felt this worked at the Broad General Education (BGE) reform was required at the Senior Phase.
It was stressed that the educational landscape in Scotland was cluttered, with too many organisations at national, regional and local levels which appeared to overlap or duplicate each other in terms of their roles and responsibilities.
Respondents were generally supportive of the four reform proposals, i.e. to remove the inspection function from Education Scotland, further reform of Education Scotland, to replace SQA (although many felt this should be reformed), and to consider the creation of a new Curriculum and Assessment Agency.
It was widely felt that the inspection function should be separate from the Scottish Government and any other education/policy setting agency in order to be fully impartial.
There were mixed views regarding whether the SQA should be replaced or reformed, although most respondents agreed some form of change was required.
The creation of a Curriculum and Assessment Agency was largely considered to be an opportunity to realign the BGE and Senior Phases, and to allow more focus on pedagogy throughout the various stages.
All of the consultation responses alongside a range of other evidence were considered by Professor Muir as part of his analysis and deliberation. Professor Muir submitted his final report and recommendations to the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills in February 2022. Professor Muir’s report, the independent analysis of the consultation responses and a report of the Children and Young Persons engagement activity were all published on the 8th March 2022 https://www.gov.scot/isbn/9781804351000
The Scottish Government’s response to Professor Muir’s report was also published on https://www.gov.scot/publications/putting-learners-at-the-centre-response-to-the-independent-advisor-on-education-reforms-report/
View submitted responses where consent has been given to publish the response.
This consultation is hosted on behalf of Professor Ken Muir, University of the West of Scotland, in his role as independent advisor to the Scottish Government on the replacement of the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) and the reform of Education Scotland.
The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills announced on 22 June 2021 the intention to replace the SQA and consider a new specialist agency for both curriculum and assessment while also taking forward reform to Education Scotland, including removing the function of inspection from the agency. Professor Ken Muir, University of West of Scotland, was appointed to act as an independent advisor to the Scottish Government to consider and advise on the implementation of the reform that will consider all functions currently delivered by both SQA and Education Scotland.
The consultation will run from 30 September until 26 November 2021 and the information provided will support Prof Muir in his considerations. Where participants have indicated their responses will be published. An analysis of the responses will also be published in early 2022.
To assist with your consideration of the questions information has been provided by both the Scottish Qualifications Authority and Education Scotland. These documents are attached.
Beyond this consultation, there are additional engagement opportunities as detailed on the Education Reform part of the Scottish Government website.
We are running a series of webinars with the opportunity to hear first-hand about Prof Muir's work and to have your say on shaping the future of the national bodies supporting education in Scotland.
Please use the links below to register to attend an event.
Thursday 30 September, 4.30 - 6pm
The purpose of this consultation is to seek the views of stakeholders to inform recommendations relating to the future shape of Scotland’s national education agencies.
The consultation asks wider questions relating to Scotland’s education system which will help to inform these recommendations as well as providing an opportunity for specific feedback relating to the proposed changes to Scotland’s national education agencies.
The findings will be analysed and contribute to Professor Muir's report to Scottish Ministers in early 2022.
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