Latest news with #Education(Scotland)Bill
The Herald Scotland
07-07-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
New SQA chief executive outlines pledges for first 100 days
The new leader of the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) has announced a series of pledges for his first 100 days in charge. Nick Page was announced as the chief executive of the body last month following the resignation of Fiona Robertson earlier this year. The SQA will scrapped in December and replaced with a new body called Qualifications Scotland, which Mr Page will also lead. Launching his leadership on Monday, the former teacher committed to a number of pledges for his first 100 days as leader, and the final days of the SQA. He said his promises mark the start of a 'new era of collaboration, transparency, and opportunity'. Read More: Mr Page said: 'The Education (Scotland) Bill has given us real momentum and a clear sense of direction. Learners and educators want to know how change will happen and how it will make a positive difference for them. 'That's why we are setting out these key actions for the next 100 days – so people can see and feel the progress we are making, both in the way we work and in the outcomes we deliver.' Among his key pledges is a promise to launch the new Schools Unit to bring organisations closer to the classroom and improve support for teachers and pupils. Mr Page has committed to building new partnerships with industry, employers and the third sector to ensure skills-based qualifications are fit for the future. He has promised to accelerate the transformation of the SQA to ensure the new body is ready from day one. The chief executive said he will also expand the 'Your Voice' campaign to under-represented groups, including industry, the third sector and political stakeholders to ensure the success of Qualifications Scotland. And he committed to supporting the development of new statutory committees and charters to deliver the Education (Scotland) Bill – the legislation which abolished the SQA. He has also promised to share progress of the SQA's digital transformation, which aims to streamline the body and make it fit for the future. Mr Page said discussions during the Education (Scotland) Bill process revealed confusion about the full scope of SQA's work, including accreditation, awarding, quality assurance and regulation. 'We've heard the concerns, and we're acting on them,' he said. 'Over the next 100 days, we'll work hard to raise awareness and understanding of what we deliver and the value that brings. 'That includes making it clear how our independent functions operate, how we deliver and measure performance, and explaining the strengthened independence and governance of accreditation.' He added: 'Together, we can ensure that Qualifications Scotland is a model of inclusion, transparency, and accountability. 'The success of these key actions – and all the positive change we strive for – depends entirely on the skills, dedication, and professionalism of our people, working in partnership across the education and skills community. 'On my first day as chief executive, I want to thank every member of every team for their ongoing commitment. 'It is their expertise and experience that will give learners, educators, and the public confidence in the work we do now and in the future of qualifications in Scotland.'
The Herald Scotland
29-06-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
New SQA chief left previous role following child safety concerns
Mr Page began his career as a teacher before taking on multiple council roles as Director of Children's Services at Salford City Council and Chief Executive of Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council. He resigned as council boss in 2023 following a review which found that children were facing "significant harm" due to delayed responses. This came in the wake of the killing of six-year-old Arthur Labinjo-Hughes. Aruther was murdered in June 2020 by his stepmother, who was jailed along with Arthur's father. The SQA board selected Mr Page from a shortlist of candidates, and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills Jenny Gilruth approved the appointment. A spokesperson for the SQA said: 'Nick Page chose to step down from his last role after a critical inspection. 'It was a principled decision to allow fresh leadership to take improvements forward. 'The SQA board carried out full due diligence and was unanimous in its selection. Nick was also the unanimous choice of the SQA staff panel, which interviewed all candidates.' In February, the former SQA Chief Executive Fiona Robertson stepped down following a series of high-profile controversies dating back to 2020. With her resignation, the SQA divided the leadership responsibilities between the Chief Executive and the newly created post of Chief Examining Officer, held by Donna Stewart. With Mr Page's appointment, there are now teachers in both of the top roles at the SQA. Following its passage in Holyrood on Wednesday, the Education (Scotland) Bill will establish a new qualifications body called Qualifications Scotland, pending royal assent. Staff and officers are expected to carry over to Qualifications Scotland when it assumes responsibilities in December. Mr Page said that he was "honoured" to oversee the transition. 'The passage of the Education (Scotland) Bill challenges us all to make reform a success – and we will deliver. 'SQA is already transforming at pace to build strong foundations for Qualifications Scotland, harnessing the deep knowledge, skills and commitment of our people. We will accelerate that work to deliver a future that improves outcomes and supports learning and teaching. 'As a former teacher from a family of teachers, I am keenly aware of the challenges faced in classrooms, colleges and across the education community, especially since the pandemic." Read more He added that the SQA's new Schools Unit, led by headteacher Sarah Brown as Senior Adviser, will be crucial for achieving the new organisation's goal of amplifying the voices of teachers and students. "We will also work across the education and skills community to ensure that assessment and awarding align with wider pathways for success. 'By building new partnerships with industry and employers, we will strengthen the relevance and range of our skills-based and vocational qualifications to unlock opportunities for learners. That will help support Scotland with the skills our country needs to succeed in a rapidly changing world. 'I look forward to bringing my experience – and the lessons I have learned – to my new role. I want to begin by thanking my new colleagues, who have demonstrated great professionalism and successfully delivered over these past years of challenge and uncertainty." Nick Page will take over as chief executive of the SQA in July and Qualifications Scotland when the new organisation takes over in December. (Image: SQA) SQA Board Chair Shirley Rogers said that Mr Page was chosen because of his mixture of experience in the classroom and public service. 'I am absolutely delighted that Nick has chosen to join us. His career spans many achievements and a proven ability to lead through both change and challenge. 'I am confident that, drawing on these experiences and a commitment to learning from them, Nick will drive the positive transformation that ensures Qualifications Scotland delivers for every learner, every educator, and every community." The transition to Qualifications Scotland will be one of the final steps in a process that began in 2021 when former Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville announced that the SQA would be scrapped. Over the next four years, the Scottish Government spent over £1 million commissioning a series of independent reviews into qualifications and assessments. However, the Education (Scotland) Bill and its vision of Qualifications Scotland has received a lukewarm response from opposition parties, teachers and the chief researchers who had recommended the SQA's replacement in the first place. The EIS teaching union called the bill an "opportunity missed" for reform, while Professor Ken Muir, who carried out the original review for replacing the SQA, said it was "disappointing" that the bill preserves many of the major shortcomings he identified in the SQA's structure.
The Herald Scotland
27-06-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
SQA appoints former teacher to chief executive role
Mr Page began his career as a teacher before taking on multiple council roles as Director of Children's Services at Salford City Council and Chief Executive of Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council. The SQA board selected Mr Page from a shortlist of candidates, and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills Jenny Gilruth approved the appointment. In February, the former SQA Chief Executive Fiona Robertson stepped down following a series of high-profile controversies dating back to 2020. With her resignation, the SQA divided the leadership responsibilities between the Chief Executive and the newly created post of Chief Examining Officer, held by Donna Stewart. With Mr Page's appointment, there are now teachers in both of the top roles at the SQA. Following its passage in Holyrood on Wednesday, the Education (Scotland) Bill will establish a new qualifications body called Qualifications Scotland, pending royal assent. Staff and officers are expected to carry over to Qualifications Scotland when it assumes responsibilities in December. Mr Page said that he was "honoured" to oversee the transition. 'The passage of the Education (Scotland) Bill challenges us all to make reform a success – and we will deliver. 'SQA is already transforming at pace to build strong foundations for Qualifications Scotland, harnessing the deep knowledge, skills and commitment of our people. We will accelerate that work to deliver a future that improves outcomes and supports learning and teaching. 'As a former teacher from a family of teachers, I am keenly aware of the challenges faced in classrooms, colleges and across the education community, especially since the pandemic." Read more He added that the SQA's new Schools Unit, led by headteacher Sarah Brown as Senior Adviser, will be crucial for achieving the new organisation's goal of amplifying the voices of teachers and students. "We will also work across the education and skills community to ensure that assessment and awarding align with wider pathways for success. 'By building new partnerships with industry and employers, we will strengthen the relevance and range of our skills-based and vocational qualifications to unlock opportunities for learners. That will help support Scotland with the skills our country needs to succeed in a rapidly changing world. 'I look forward to bringing my experience – and the lessons I have learned – to my new role. I want to begin by thanking my new colleagues, who have demonstrated great professionalism and successfully delivered over these past years of challenge and uncertainty." Nick Page will take over as chief executive of the SQA in July and Qualifications Scotland when the new organisation takes over in December. (Image: SQA) SQA Board Chair Shirley Rogers said that Mr Page was chosen because of his mixture of experience in the classroom and public service. 'I am absolutely delighted that Nick has chosen to join us. His career spans many achievements and a proven ability to lead through both change and challenge. 'I am confident that, drawing on these experiences and a commitment to learning from them, Nick will drive the positive transformation that ensures Qualifications Scotland delivers for every learner, every educator, and every community." The transition to Qualifications Scotland will be one of the final steps in a process that began in 2021 when former Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville announced that the SQA would be scrapped. Over the next four years, the Scottish Government spent over £1 million commissioning a series of independent reviews into qualifications and assessments. However, the Education (Scotland) Bill and its vision of Qualifications Scotland has received a lukewarm response from opposition parties, teachers and the chief researchers who had recommended the SQA's replacement in the first place. The EIS teaching union called the bill an "opportunity missed" for reform, while Professor Ken Muir, who carried out the original review for replacing the SQA, said it was "disappointing" that the bill preserves many of the major shortcomings he identified in the SQA's structure.
Glasgow Times
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
Holyrood passes legislation to abolish SQA exams body
The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) is set to be scrapped and replaced by a new body called Qualifications Scotland. The Education (Scotland) Bill was passed by 69 votes to 47 late on Wednesday evening, following two days of debate. As well as abolishing the SQA, the bill also sets out plans for a new chief inspector of education, who will be tasked with inspecting nurseries, schools and colleges across Scotland. READ NEXT: Scotland sees 'rare' weather phenomenon as weather set to shift READ NEXT: Banned driver who left friend in wheelchair for life after crash jailed The bill states that Qualification Scotland will have to give equal weighting to both British Sign Language (BSL) and the Gaelic language. It also outlines that the new body must consider the needs of pupils who use BSL or learn in BSL. The new body is expected to be up and running in the autumn, after this year's exam results are released. It comes almost five years after the 2020 exams scandal, where marks for more than 124,000 pupils were downgraded after exams had to be scrapped as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Speaking as the legislation was passed, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said the bill would "fundamentally create a new and a different type of organisation which works with the teaching profession differently". Jenny Gilruth And speaking after the vote, Gilruth said: 'The successful passage of this legislation shows this Government is serious about implementing the changes needed to drive improvement across Scotland's education and skills system. "The creation of a new national qualifications body is about building the right conditions for reform to flourish; the new body will ensure that knowledge and experience of pupils and teachers are at the heart of our national qualifications offering." Gilruth added that the new chief inspector would have "greater independence and the power to set the frequency and focus of inspections". 'Throughout this process, I have been determined to work with other parties on this vital legislation. I am also grateful to teaching unions and other organisations across civic Scotland who contributed to its development," she continued. 'Taken together our major programme of education and skills reform will bring about the changes needed to meet the needs of future generations of young people." The bill was backed by the Scottish Greens, who said that the new body "will put the voices of teachers and students at its heart". The party's education spokesperson, Ross Greer, who has previously campaigned for an overhaul of the exams body, said he was pleased MSPs had voted for "this fresh start in Scottish education". Ross Greer He said: "Senior leadership at the SQA was given the opportunity to change over many years, but refused to do so. "Replacing the organisation with one legally required to listen to teachers and students will end this constant cycle of scandals. "Now we can begin rebuilding the trust which was so completely destroyed over the last decade and put the focus back on supporting students." But he added that such reform needed to be followed up with "urgent work" to reduce teachers' workload and an overhaul of the "Victorian-era" end of term exams system towards a model of ongoing assessment. Greer also hit out at Scottish Labour, who voted down the bill on the basis it did not go far enough. "Labour's vote to protect the scandal-plagued and unaccountable SQA is bizarre," he said. 'How can anyone look at the mistakes of recent years and think it can continue? We need real change for students and teachers, which this bill will deliver." Both Labour and the Tories voted down the bill on Wednesday. Pam Duncan-Glancy, Scottish Labour's education spokesperson, said: 'We needed a qualifications system fit for the future, one that respects the efforts of learners, supports the judgment of teachers, and earns the trust of employers and universities. 'We needed a curriculum that is broad and inclusive, we needed an inspectorate that can challenge where necessary but also celebrate excellence. But on reform this is a job unfinished.' Meanwhile, Scottish Tory education spokesperson Miles Briggs said the new body was "little more than a rebrand of the SQA". 'The SQA needed an overhaul, not a cosmetic makeover, and the changes proposed fall way short of what is required to ensure the organisation can operate effectively and is properly accountable," he added.
STV News
26-06-2025
- Politics
- STV News
MSPs pass legislation to scrap SQA for new Scottish exams body
Holyrood has passed legislation that will abolish Scotland's exam body – despite claims from opposition parties that the replacement organisation is 'little more than a rebrand'. Both Labour and the Conservatives voted against the Bill, which will dissolve the Scottish Qualifications Authority, and set up a new organisation, to be called Qualifications Scotland to take its place. This is expected to be up and running in the autumn of 2025 – after this year's exams results come out. It comes almost five years after the 2020 exams scandal, where marks for more than 124,000 youngsters were downgraded after exams had to be scrapped as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. But Labour education spokesperson Pam Duncan-Glancy said: 'Instead of abolishing the SQA today the Bill allows the current leadership to transfer wholesale.' She insisted that 'on reform this is a job unfinished'. Similarly, Scottish Conservative education spokesperson said the changes, in the Education (Scotland) Bill would not deliver the 'meaningful reform for Scotland's education system which is urgently needed'. He argued that the new exams body was 'little more than a rebrand of the SQA'. Briggs said: 'The SQA needed an overhaul, not a cosmetic makeover, and the changes proposed fall way short of what is required to ensure the organisation can operate effectively and is properly accountable.' But speaking as the legislation was passed by 69 votes to 47, eeducation secretary Jenny Gilruth rejected those claims. Instead, she said, the Bill would 'fundamentally create a new and a different type of organisation which works with the teaching profession differently'. In addition it will establish a new chief inspector of education, who will be tasked with inspecting nurseries, schools and colleges across Scotland. Here she said there was a 'cast-iron guarantee' that the person who takes up this post would have 'suitable teaching and educational leadership experience'. The education secretary said: 'Through the creation of a new qualifications body and an independent inspectorate, the Bill enables a more responsive, trusted and effective national education infrastructure.' The legislation, passed after two nights of late sittings at Holyrood, will provide 'the scaffolding which supports the wider range of education reform', she added. Briggs, however, said: 'It does feel like the Bill has been rushed through Parliament in the last week of term.' He added that 'this Bill has not been the opportunity many of us had hoped it would be', claiming it was 'clear SNP ministers' policies and half-baked reforms are not delivering for our young people'. Duncan-Glancy was also critical, saying: 'We needed a qualifications system fit for the future, one that respects the efforts of learners, supports the judgment of teachers, and earns the trust of employers and universities. 'We needed a curriculum that is broad and inclusive, we needed an inspectorate that can challenge where necessary but also celebrate excellence. But on reform this is a job unfinished.' Gilrtuh said afterwards: 'The successful passage of this legislation shows this Government is serious about implementing the changes needed to drive improvement across Scotland's education and skills system. 'The creation of a new, national qualifications body is about building the right conditions for reform to flourish – the new body will ensure that knowledge and experience of pupils and teachers are at the heart of our national qualifications offering. 'The new inspectorate body will also have greater independence and the power to set the frequency and focus of inspections, moving this function away from ministers, to His Majesty's Chief Inspector.' She added: 'Taken together, our major programme of education and skills reform will bring about the changes needed to meet the needs of future generations of young people.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
