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Responding to the Education (Scotland) Bill: Phase One

Sun 1st September 2024 - Blog Posts, Further and Higher Education, Policy Advice and Responses, Schools and early learning & childcare settings

On 30 August, Learning for Sustainability Scotland responded to the Education (Scotland) Bill: Phase One.

Click here to read our response; which collates the views of our Steering Group.

This Bill is in two main parts and considers the following:

Part 1 of the Bill establishes Qualifications Scotland. Qualifications Scotland will:

  • replace the Scottish Qualifications Authority, which is dissolved by the Bill
  • develop and award qualifications (other than university degrees)
  • have an independent Accreditation Committee to regulate qualifications (other than university degrees) and the organisations that award them
  • give advice to Scottish Ministers
  • produce charters setting out what learners, teachers and practitioners should expect from Qualifications Scotland
  • involve learners, teachers and others in decision making through a Board of Management, committees and an advisory council

Part 2 of the Bill establishes the Chief Inspector and sets out what they will do and how they will operate. The Chief Inspector will:

  • inspect places where education is provided and education services
  • have an Advisory Council
  • publish an inspection plan and reports on inspections
  • publish an annual report, and reports on the performance of the Scottish education system
  • tell Scottish Ministers when a school or education authority is not making necessary improvements