Curriculum, Qualifications and Assessment Reform: progress to date and next steps

Conclusion and Next Steps

While this paper focusses on reform to curriculum, qualifications and assessment it is important to note that reform to education bodies will continue in the coming months with Qualifications Scotland and the independent HMIE becoming operational in the Autumn of 2025. The refocused Education Scotland - with a primary focus on curriculum - will also implement transition plans for Autumn 2025.

This is a complex and long-term programme of work and it is reasonable to assume some dates will change. Every effort will be made to ensure that the programme retains its coherence, that key elements remain aligned, that appropriate time is built in for leaders and educators to prepare for change, and that action is taken in the correct order. We will therefore publish periodic updates, including in Gaelic, to this timeline.

There will be many opportunities for all interested parties to engage with the work. To stay updated on opportunities as they arise, please register with Education Scotland and SQA newsletters. It is also possible to provide comments on the series of three discussion papers published by Education Scotland that outline the background work of the Curriculum Improvement Cycle.

Our intention is to ensure that:

• The package of reform and its implementation is coherent and retains the shared view that curriculum should drive qualifications.
• The work will continue to be developed collaboratively in conjunction with a range of stakeholders, including our educators, children and young people. This is a long-term programme of work and educators will need time, information, support and professional learning to implement changes arising from the evolution of the technical framework 3-18 and understanding of the new approach to qualifications and assessment.
• The reform programme takes account of the capacity challenges and the reality of education post-Covid. These include, for example, educators having time to prepare for new approaches and how the wider system, addresses interdependencies such as digital infrastructure, national performance measures and assuring alignment between the CIC and new frameworks including: inspection and review, the wider skills policy landscape and teacher education and development in Scotland.

This is a unique and significant opportunity to ensure all young people in Scotland have their achievements recognised, their talents nurtured, and their future supported by a curriculum and qualifications system that reflects who they are and what they can do. It is also a chance to shape an education system that prepares them to grow as learners, to develop as individuals, to contribute meaningfully to society, and to participate fully as citizens in a rapidly changing world - one that demands adaptability, creativity, compassion and a deep understanding of both people and planet.