Online learning provision - review: discussion paper and next steps
Scottish Government officials undertook a rapid online learning review to consider and make recommendations on the current and future landscape of the online learning provision in Scotland, ensuring equity, quality, and alignment with national priorities and consideration of funding models.
Annex E
Existing Identified Online Provision in Scotland
Summary of online learning and support options for schools in Scotland:
1. Nationally funded provision
1.1 National e-Learning Offer (NELO)
Purpose
- Complements teaching and learning delivered by local authority schools in Scotland.
What is delivered/covered?
- A blend of live, recorded, and supported resources across the curriculum.
- Includes provision from e-Sgoil, West OS, and Education Scotland materials.
How is it funded?
- Funded by the Scottish Government; includes resources developed within local authorities.
Who can access?
- Available to all learners and teachers in Scotland via Glow and other platforms.
https://education.gov.scot/resource-themes/nelo/
1.2 e-Sgoil
Purpose
- Originally established in 2016 to address teacher shortages in the Western Isles; now a nationwide online teaching and learning community.
What is delivered/covered?
- Live interactive lessons and recorded/static learning resources across BGE and the Senior Phase, covering a wide range of subjects including Gaelic and STEM. This includes I‑Sgoil provision for interrupted learners, support for supply cover, and some adult learning.
How is it funded?
- Funded by the Scottish Government.
Who can access?
- Schools, local authorities, and individual learners across Scotland; also supports adult learners and apprentices.
1.3 West OS
Purpose
- For learners: free online content to support learning and revision.
- For practitioners: high-quality resources to support and enhance teaching.
What is delivered/covered?
- Short 10‑minute recorded lessons for BGE and Senior Phase subjects.
How is it funded?
- Previously funded by the West Partnership; continued access supported through Scottish Government funding of Clickview licences.
Who can access?
- Free via Glow for learners and educators in Scotland.
https://www.westpartnership.co.uk/west-os/
1.4 Digilearn.scot
Purpose
- Provides an online space dedicated to technology-enhanced learning, delivered by Education Scotland’s Technologies team.
What is delivered/covered?
- Resources on digital literacy, cyber resilience, internet safety, and tech-enhanced learning; themed weeks include live lessons across sectors.
How is it funded?
- Core Education Scotland funding.
Who can access?
- Anyone.
https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/glowblogs/digilearn/
2. Locally funded provision
2.1 SCHOLAR – Heriot-Watt University
Purpose
- Online learning platform established in 1999 to promote equity by providing accessible, high‑quality content.
What is delivered/covered?
- Interactive materials supporting National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher across 42 Qualifications Scotland‑aligned subjects; assessments, revision packs, study guides, diagnostic tools.
How is it funded?
- Not-for-profit partnership between ADES and Heriot-Watt; subscription-funded.
Who can access?
- Via local authority/school/college subscription; learners access via Glow anytime, anywhere.
2.2 SW Connects – Virtual Learning Campus
Purpose
- Expands access to senior-phase courses and skills development across four local authorities using flexible digital delivery.
What is delivered/covered?
- Advanced Highers, selected Highers and National 5 subjects; “Enhancing Opportunities” online support for S1–S3 learners.
How is it funded?
- By Dumfries & Galloway, East Ayrshire, North Ayrshire, and South Ayrshire.
Who can access?
- Learners across the four partner authorities; 499 young people presented for Qualifications Scotland exams via SWC.
https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/dg/sweic/?page_id=103
2.3 Tayside Virtual Campus
Purpose
- Provides wider course choices and equitable access for senior-phase learners across Tayside.
What is delivered/covered?
- Online Qualifications Scotland Advanced Higher and Higher courses; live classes, assessments, portfolio support, and digital skills development.
How is it funded?
- Combination of Scottish Government grants and local authority investment via TRIC.
Who can access?
- S4–S6 learners in Angus, Dundee City, and Perth & Kinross, including those needing flexible arrangements.
https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/dd/taycollab/
2.4 Highland Virtual Academy
Purpose
- Ensures equitable access to senior-phase education across the Highland region, particularly for remote/rural pupils.
What is delivered/covered?
- Live online classes aligned with Qualifications Scotland curriculum for subjects that may not be available locally.
How is it funded?
- Funded and operated by Highland Council.
Who can access?
- Senior-phase pupils in Highland schools; teachers can also deliver lessons; access managed via school/council systems.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-t72YCyvmE8OpsZwzgjkfA
3. Independent School Provision
3.1 RGC Online – Robert Gordon’s College
Purpose
- Supports Scotland’s tech ecosystem by expanding access to Computing Science and related subjects.
What is delivered/covered?
- Live-taught Qualifications Scotland-accredited courses (e.g., Higher Computing Science, Maths, English). Online+ platform offers tech-focused diploma modules (AI, Cybersecurity, Game Design).
How is it funded?
- Fee-based; scholarships available.
Who can access?
- Open to school pupils and mature learners across Scotland; evening classes.
https://www.rgc.aberdeen.sch.uk/learning/rgconline
3.2 FIDA – Futures Institute at Dollar Academy
Purpose
- Open-access initiative empowering young people to tackle sustainability challenges through cross-disciplinary learning.
What is delivered/covered?
- International Sustainability Diploma (SCQF Level 6); free online courses blending sustainability, design thinking, and entrepreneurship; Qualifications Scotland-aligned resources and themed challenges.
How is it funded?
- Philanthropic donations, fundraising, charitable contributions, and partial government/partner support.
Who can access?
- Free for all learners aged 14–18 worldwide; teachers can also use resources.
3.3 Think Four (The Glasgow Academy)
Purpose
- Free platform helping Scottish pupils prepare for Higher exams; based on evidence‑based learning principles.
What is delivered/covered?
- Short 4‑minute video tutorials covering key topics across 13 Qualifications Scotland Higher subjects.
How is it funded?
- Independently operated by ThinkFour Ltd; funded by The Glasgow Academy.
Who can access?
- Open to all learners, teachers, parents; no login required.
https://www.youtube.com/@thinkfourscotland
4. Commercial Provision
4.1 Hashtag Learning – ACHIEVE & SUCCEED
Purpose
- Supports learning, revision, motivation, and wellbeing.
What is delivered/covered?
- ACHIEVE: Online tutor and study toolkit for National 5 and Higher.
- SUCCEED: Platform for study skills, motivation, and wellbeing (requires ACHIEVE licence).
How is it funded?
- School licences (£750 whole school / £100 per subject) or £4.99/month for individuals.
Who can access?
- Schools or individual subscriptions.
4.2 Scottish Highers Online (SHO)
Purpose
- Flexible online school offering alternative routes to National Qualifications.
What is delivered/covered?
- Qualifications Scotland-accredited National 4–Advanced Higher with tutor support and Zoom sessions; exam venue in Perth.
How is it funded?
- Fee-based (£595 per course; short courses £90).
Who can access?
- Open to adults and young people across Scotland.
https://scottishhighersonline.co.uk/
4.3 Scottish Online Lessons
Purpose
- Flexible online tutoring and structured lesson service led by Scottish teachers; aims to narrow the attainment gap.
What is delivered/covered?
- Video lessons for P1–S6, including past paper support; tutoring service available.
How is it funded?
- Subscriptions (£15/month or £150/year); schools can licence (£50/year or £5/month for bulk).
Who can access?
- Any learner in Scotland; mobile app provides offline access; suitable for ASN learners.
https://www.scottishonlinelessons.com/
4.4 Education Academy Scotland (formerly Saturday School Ltd)
Purpose
- Provides expert support in knowledge consolidation, problem‑solving, exam preparation, and Qualifications Scotland courses.
What is delivered/covered?
- Online and in‑person courses for National 5–Advanced Higher; masterclasses and grade‑booster days; SCQF Level 7 STEM Leadership.
How is it funded?
- Fee-based, with scholarships and partnerships.
Who can access?
- Students across Scotland including adults, mature learners, and home‑educated learners.
https://educationacademyscotland.co.uk/
5. Other Resources
5.1 BBC Bitesize
Purpose
- Provides free curriculum‑relevant self‑study and home‑learning support.
What is delivered/covered?
- Resources for ages 3–19 across all key subjects, including National 4, 5, and Highers.
How is it funded?
- Fully funded by the BBC, including a £6M investment in online education (2024).
Who can access?
- All learners in the UK; English, Welsh, and Gaelic content available.
Contact
Email: emma.sinclair@gov.scot