National Discussion on education

Children, young people, families and teachers are being invited to join a National Discussion on education.

Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville appealed for fresh, innovative ideas to help to deliver change and drive improvement.

In an update to Parliament on reform plans, Ms Somerville said she wants to encourage the most inclusive ever discussion on education in Scotland, with learners playing a key part in decision-making.

The National Discussion will inform wide-ranging plans, including the creation of three new education bodies and a review of qualifications and assessment.

Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said:

“We want to bring the widest possible range of voices and views into the room. It is our children and young people who hold the biggest stake in our education system. I am determined they will be heard just as strongly across our reform programme. 

“Two decades on from the last national debate on Scottish Education, the time is right to discuss our vision for the education system.

“This is a discussion for everyone, and I have written today to education spokespeople from all parties in this Chamber inviting them to take part. We may not agree on everything but that should never stop us from finding common ground.”

COSLA Children and Young People Spokesperson Councillor Stephen McCabe said:

“We are pleased that COSLA will co-convene this discussion with the Scottish Government and look forward to ensuring that children and young people, their families, school staff and wider stakeholders are able to input into this important conversation.”

Background

The National Discussion will be co-convened by the Scottish Government and local government partners COSLA and will launch in the new term.   

Carol Campbell, Professor of Leadership and Educational Change at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto, and Dr Alma Harris, Emeritus Professor Swansea University and Professor at Cardiff School of Education and Social Policy, Cardiff Metropolitan University, have agreed to co-facilitate the National Discussion.