Plans to reform Scotland's education system including exams out for consultation

Teachers, parents and young people across Scotland are to be asked for their views on plans to reform the country’s education system.

A consultation has been launched as part of an independent review of qualifications and assessments.

The review was announced by education secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville in October 2021.

It is being led by Louise Hayward, emeritus professor at Glasgow University.

She will provide independent advice for ministers to consider in March next year.

The consultation is seeking to gather opinions on the balance between exams and other forms of assessment, as well as how a wider range of learners’ achievements can be recognised.

People will also be asked for their views on potential uses of technology and how to ensure qualifications allow learners to demonstrate their strengths and achievements.

The consultation will close on December 16.

Professor Hayward said by supporting learners, Scotland can grow “socially, culturally and economically”.

“This review of qualifications and assessment offers Scotland an opportunity to look to the future,” said Hayward.

“We want to ensure that the ways in which we gather evidence about all learners’ achievements, awards and qualifications help every learner to transition positively into the next phase of life, be that in college, employment, university or voluntary work.

“By supporting every learner to become a confident, committed life-long learner, we will help Scotland to grow socially, culturally and economically.”

Somerville said the review, along with planned education reforms, have a “clear purpose” in improving experiences and outcomes in education.

She said: “The aim of reforming qualifications and assessments is to ensure that all senior phase learners have the best possible opportunity to demonstrate the breadth, depth and relevance of their learning.

“This consultation and the other work being done by Professor Hayward to gather a wide range of opinions is crucially important and I would encourage anyone who has an interest, particularly young people, parents, carers and education staff, to give their views.

“The review, and our other planned education reforms, have the clear purpose of doing all we can to improve the experiences and outcomes of children and young people in Scotland’s education system.”