Empowering Schools: education reform progress update

Foreword: Deputy First Minister And Cabinet Secretary For Education And Skills

Improving the education and life chances of our children and young people is the defining mission of this Government. We remain convinced that the needs of individual children and young people can best be identified and met if those who work closely with
them every day are enabled to make decisions about their learning.

We consulted extensively on how we can best empower and support our schools. We have listened carefully to education professionals, local authorities, parents and pupils, who told us they strongly support the principle of empowering schools.

Our landmark agreement with Local Government is creating the conditions for meaningful school empowerment through the Headteachers’ Charter – together with improved parental involvement and pupil participation and the establishment of the Regional Improvement Collaboratives.

We have always recognised that legislation alone would not drive the improvements we need. It will take a balanced combination of changes to culture and practice, enhanced capacity and supporting structures based on trust of the professionals who work in our schools. The significant progress reported in this document has been delivered through collaboration and cooperation, and while it provides the pre-conditions for a school and teacher-led system there is still more to do to truly empower our schools.

I am confident we have all the building blocks in place to deliver our vision of excellence and equity in education. We will continue to work closely with Local Government, professional associations and other stakeholders to ensure this balanced, collegiate approach remains and that implementation continues with pace and purpose. 

John Swinney
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills