Scottish Attainment Challenge 2022 to 2023 - 2025 to 2026: equality impact assessment

Summary

In response to the extraordinary situation caused by the pandemic, the education system in Scotland - like so many world-wide - responded quickly by moving to online and remote learning so that children and young people could continue their education. The immediate priority became the need to ensure support was provided urgently to the most vulnerable children and families, many of whom relied on schools to provide a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment.

Closing the poverty-related attainment gap remains a key focus of the Scottish Government. Education remains, by far, the most effective means we have to improve the life chances of all of our young people. That has not changed. If anything, the disproportionate impact that closing our schools had on the most disadvantaged in our society has demonstrated even more clearly the vital role that they play.

The work to close the poverty-related attainment gap remains a long term goal. To deliver this, a renewed focus is required, which the refreshed SAC programme seeks to deliver. The reports mentioned demonstrate that whilst the attainment data indicates variation in the pace of progress across the country, good progress has been made in a number of foundational strengths that the system can build on. The opportunity ahead, through the refreshed SAC programme, is to build on these foundations and accelerate.