Scotland‘s national examination organisation has been replaced.
The move follows the passage of the Education (Scotland) Act earlier this year.
The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) has been in place for nearly three decades since April 1997 and has been replaced by Qualifications Scotland.
The merger of the Scottish Examination Board and the Scottish Vocational Education Council established the executive public body at that time.
However, Qualifications Scotland has replaced the SQA after nearly 30 years.
The move coincides with the enactment of the Education (Scotland) Act earlier this year.
Leaders at Qualifications have pledged to put learners and educators at the heart of decision-making’. Recent unrest in the teaching profession has prompted this move.
Disharmony between teachers and the SQA was exacerbated five years ago, in 2020, when exams were cancelled for the first time ever due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, thousands of students had received worse results than they had expected.
A recent survey of learners, lecturers, parents, carers, teachers, and training providers reflected that only 1 in 5 respondents thought that the SQA was successful in earning back the trust of learners and educators.
Respondents from schools gave the lowest scores for credibility, communication, and engagement when compared with those from colleges and training providers.
Bradley believed that merely rebranding and altering the title and logos would not suffice for EIS members. She added that ‘there has to be demonstrative willingness from Qualifications Scotland to engage with teachers as professionals now.’
Nick Page has been appointed as the new chief executive of Qualifications Scotland.
Page was of the view that there is a clear and compelling need for change, and that the time is right to act on it.’ He added that Qualifications Scotland is not intended to be a rebrand of SQA.
It’s a new organisation designed from the ground up to work differently, to engage more deeply, and to put learners and educators at the very heart of everything being done. It’s a huge undertaking, and the nation needs to test and support the initiative.
Page expressed that it was quite heartwarming to have heard what he did when he was out & about across Scotland. People are optimistic about the potential opportunities that Qualifications Scotland will present.
There is a need to delve deep into that and open up genuine opportunities for everyone to be involved in the work of Qualifications Scotland. It’s anticipated to hear from teachers, lecturers, learners, parents, carers, local authorities, system experts, and employers on that matter, as well as what needs to change.
Qualifications Scotland’s board will be appointed and chaired by Shirley Rogers, CBE, who will be supported by at least five practicing teachers or lecturers.
It’s expected to include members able to represent the interests of learners and employers.
Qualifications: Scotland is also expected to set out its early priorities for change next week.
Page added that the arrival of Qualifications Scotland represents not just a fundamental reset but also a critically important opportunity to transform what & how learning is assessed in Scotland. It’s also assessed as being an opportunity to accelerate change and to power long-term success for Scotland.
Page was also of the opinion that Qualifications Scotland was intended to be an organisation that listens, learns, and evolves. Its aim was clear in extending to every learner the opportunity to fulfil their fullest potential. It was also expected to deliver to Scotland by making a positive social impact, besides an economic impact.
So summing up, the chief executive of Qualifications Scotland, Nick Page, expressed his view that there was a compelling need for change.
