Highland Council responds to national Education reform consultation

The Highland Council has agreed a response to the consultation on the Scottish Government’s Education Reform agenda.

Education Chair, Cllr John Finlayson said: “I am pleased that we have agreed a response to contribute to this national consultation on the future of Scottish Education. It was important that the views of our young people, educators, parents, and councillors were captured to reflect the experiences of all stakeholders involved in both the Highland and the national education system. The review will continue into 2024 and officers have established working groups involving young people and easily understood and accessible information is being shared so we can continue to capture their feedback during future consultations. This is a once in a generation opportunity to influence the shape of Scottish Education and it is important that all voices are heard”.

Earlier this year, the OECD published a report titled Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence: Into the Future which highlighted the need for a more structured and strategic approach to curriculum review and implementation in Scotland. The Scottish Government has decided that the Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) will be replaced and that the functions of Education Scotland will be reviewed with the removal of the Inspectorate from its remit.

The consultation, held both at Local Authority level and at Scottish Government level, is for those who have an interest in Scottish Education to engage in helping set the direction of travel for the future of Scottish Education.

The Council sought stakeholder input by engaging with education staff, young people, parent groups and elected Members over a number of weeks and in a wide variety of settings to bring together a considered and measured response to the consultation. Their initial feedback was gathered through a survey, meetings, and workshops with Members.

A copy of the Council’s response can be found at Appendix 1 of the report.

15 Dec 2021