Publication - Strategy/plan
National Improvement Framework 2026: improvement plan
The 2026 improvement plan provides the full details of the actions that will be taken to deliver the seven outcomes set out in the 2026 National Improvement Framework, the evidence to support them, and how we will measure progress.
Improvement Plan
This Improvement Plan provides the full details of the new actions that will be taken to deliver the seven outcomes set out in the 2026 National Improvement Framework, (NIF) the evidence to support them, and how we will measure progress. As well as the actions set out below, you can also find an update on progress with actions from the 2025 National Improvement Framework and improvement plan. This provides information on progress with ongoing commitments in the Programme for Government (PfG) including:
- Providing local authorities £186.5 million to deliver our joint commitment to restore teacher numbers to 2023 levels, freeze learning hours, and reduce class contact time.
- Supporting the recruitment, retention and training of the ASN workforce, backed by an additional £29 million in 2025-26 in local and national programmes.
- Working with the teacher unions, and COSLA to agree our approach to delivering a reduction in class contact time at pace – helping to ease teacher workload and create space for them to drive improvement and reform and improve outcomes.
- Continuing the Curriculum Improvement Cycle to update and strengthen Scotland’s national curriculum for every child and young person.
- Working with Qualifications Scotland to rationalise the qualifications offer in the senior phase to support clearer learner pathways, more flexible modular courses and deliver an improved and more inclusive educational experience.