Scotland’s newest public body – Qualifications Scotland – started work on 2 February, ushering in a new era for the delivery of qualifications and assessments.
The new organisation was created by the Education (Scotland) Act 2025, passed by the Scottish Parliament last year, and will give learners, teachers and lecturers much stronger influence.
As work got underway today, Qualifications Scotland’s Chief Executive and Chief Examiner set out the early priorities for the organisation. Accelerating Change, a plan for the coming months, pledges to:
- Push on with the reform of qualifications, including early engagement on plans to place less reliance on high-stakes exams in several subjects
- Bring in four classroom teachers to bolster the newly-formed School Partnership Team, which will build stronger relationships with schools and provide learners, teachers, parents and carers with more opportunities to have their voices heard
- Open up Qualifications Scotland so that people can get involved with shaping decisions, qualifications and services; this includes recruiting learners, educators and stakeholders to sit on newly-formed advisory groups
- Strengthen the accreditation function to reinforce its independence within the organisation, under the leadership of the new Chief Accreditation Officer, Liz Barron-Majerick
The Education (Scotland) Act 2025 sets out the establishment of two Interest Committees – one for learners and one for teachers and practitioners. Recruitment for these committees opens today.
The Interest Committees will advise Qualifications Scotland on how qualifications – and the policies and processes that support them – operate in real settings, from studying the qualifications to what it is like for schools, colleges, training providers and employers to deliver them. Members of the committees will share their own experiences and opinions to inform thinking, influence decisions, and shape future developments in qualifications and assessment.
Qualifications Scotland has been built in collaboration with partners across the education and skills sector. A Transition Board – made up of representatives of learners, teaching unions, colleges, training providers, universities, businesses and local authorities – has met regularly to provide support and challenge during the replacement work.
Stuart McKenna, Chief Executive at the Scottish Training Federation (STF), said: “STF has enjoyed a long and positive partnership with SQA and I look forward to building on this with Qualifications Scotland.”
Press Release: Qualifications Scotland starts work (PDF)
