Putting learners at the centre: response to the independent advisor on education reform's report

Overview

We welcome Professor Ken Muir’s report, which identifies key principles that support a compelling vision for the future of Scottish Education. It provides recommendations on how the features of the education system relating to curriculum, assessment, qualifications, support and improvement might best be reconfigured to promote and enhance excellence and equity. In taking forward these recommendations to reform national education organisations, our priority is to continue to ensure a high quality education system for current and future learners.

On 22 June 2021, we responded to the publication of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) report, Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence: Into the Future, setting out specific actions in response to its recommendations. This included commitments to move the role of inspection out of Education Scotland, to replace the SQA, and consider the implications of a new specialist agency responsible for both curriculum and assessment.

Professor Muir took up his role as Independent Advisor on Education Reform on 2 August to provide us with advice and recommendations on these commitments, undertaking a public consultation resulting in 764 consultation responses, and 87 meetings, events and webinars. Professor Muir’s report includes 21 recommendations that he considers would create a more cohesive, simplified and consistent education system to continue delivering excellence and equity for Scotland’s learners.