Response to recommendations on future of Education in Scotland

24th June 2021

The Highland Council noted this week's announcement on the changes to the Scottish qualifications and assessment system following the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Organisation (OECD) report which backs Scotland's school curriculum in its independent review.

Last year, the Scottish Government commissioned the OECD to carry out a review of Curriculum for Excellence (CfE). OECD's report highlighted that CfE is the right approach for Scotland and suggests that the curriculum work currently undertaken by Education Scotland might best sit with any new curriculum and assessment body which will replace the SQA.

Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville announced that all 12 of the review’s recommendations will be accepted in full, including recommendations on curriculum, assessment and qualifications which will see the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) replaced and Education Scotland substantially reformed.

Cllr John Finlayson, Chair of the Education Committee said: "I am sure this week’s announcement by the Education Minister comes as no surprise to anyone and it also offers a real opportunity going forward, for evaluating both the curriculum offered in Scottish schools and also the methods of assessment that we need to employ in the 21st century and beyond.

"The OECD report highlights the need for a review of the curriculum which has to be a good thing and given self-evaluation is at the heart of Scottish Education it is only appropriate that this also happens at the highest level as well as at authority and school level. The recommendations around the SQA, Education Scotland and how future school inspections need to change, will I think be widely welcomed by all education stakeholders but at the same time we must also look to build on the good things that are happening in our schools and not throw all the babies out with the bathwater."

[url=https://www.oecd.org/education/scotland-s-curriculum-for-excellence-bf624417-en.htm]A copy of the report is available on OECD’s website[/url]

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

Today : Local Authority

Launch of New Transport Service for Renal Patients in Highland

NHS Highland and The Highland Council are pleased to announce the launch of a new bespoke year-round transport service for renal haemodialysis patients across Highland.   Funded through a grant from NHS Highland, the service marks the first phase of a new approach to patient transport delivery, designed to support the long-term development of a more sustainable, flexible and community-focused transport model for Highland.  

Today : Local Authority

Economy and Infrastructure Committee to consider next steps on proposed Short Term Let Control Areas

Members of The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee will meet next Monday (28 September 2026) to consider whether to progress proposals for new Short Term Let Control Areas across parts of Highland.   At the special meeting, councillors will be asked to consider the findings of a public consultation on proposed control areas covering Inverness City and a wider Highland Rural area, before deciding whether the proposals should be submitted to Scottish Ministers for approval.  

Yesterday : Local Authority

Scotland's Local Government Reform: More Local Power or Mainly a Search for Savings?

The Scottish Government is proposing a major reshaping of local government, with fewer regional authorities and many more community-level bodies making decisions closer to where people live.   The language is about local democracy, stronger communities and bringing decisions closer to people.  

Yesterday : Local Authority

Local Government Set For Huge Changes

Initial proposals designed to deliver fundamental reform of local governance have been set out to help shape the debate on improving public services.   The possible changes, if implemented, could help achieve a better balance of decision-making powers across the public sector to ensure investment is focused on delivering improved services.  

21/9/2026 : Local Authority

Council Tax Reform: Just How Many Scots Took Part in the Debate?

Council tax is one of those bills that most households know only too well.   It arrives every month or in a series of instalments, and it helps pay for services ranging from rubbish collection and roads to schools, social care and other council services.  

19/9/2026 : Local Authority

Why Scotland Is Reorganising Public Services – And Why Highland Could Feel the Impact More Than Most

Something important is happening in Scotland's public services, and it goes considerably further than another round of annual budget cuts.   The Scottish Government is now talking about changing the way public services themselves are organised.  

18/9/2026 : Local Authority

Highland Council's £2.1 Billion Investment Plan: Could Higher Interest Rates Put the Squeeze on Future Budgets?

Highland Council is planning to spend around £2.1 billion over 20 years on schools, roads, housing, community facilities and other infrastructure.   It is an ambitious programme, and one which could bring considerable benefits across the Highlands.  

17/9/2026 : Local Authority

New Industry Connect Highland programme to strengthen links between schools and employers

Secondary schools and employers across the Highlands are coming together through a new partnership programme designed to connect classroom learning with future career opportunities and help develop the Highlands future workforce.   Industry Connect Highland, developed through My Highland Future and Workforce North, will run throughout the 2026/27 academic year with an initial focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).  

15/9/2026 : Local Authority

Help Shape Highland's Future: Call for Ideas Extended Until November

Communities, businesses and residents are being given extra time to share ideas that will influence future development and land use across Highland.   The Highland Council has an open Call for Ideas survey, which is inviting people to share ideas on future development and long-term land use in Highland.  

12/9/2026 : Local Authority

Caithness This Week A Region Facing Big Decisions on Energy, Money and Its Future

Caithness has had a busy week, although the individual stories might not initially appear to have much in common.   Look a little more closely, however, and a pattern begins to emerge.