Scotland
The latest news, analysis, investigations and professional advice covering everything to do with the schools sector in Scotland
Tuesday
10th Sep 2024
What do we know about the state of Scotland’s school buildings?
In 2007, under two-thirds of schools were in a ‘good’ or ‘satisfactory’ condition – this year that figure is 92%, although the number receiving the government’s top rating peaked in 2021
Pressure mounting for leadership change at national qualifications body
School leaders, councils and students all say the education reform process will be undermined if SQA staff transfer ‘wholesale’ to Scotland’s new qualifications body
Welsh teachers to receive 5.5% pay rise in 2024-25
The Welsh government says it is matching the teacher pay award in England because of the ‘no detriment principle’
Thursday
5th Sep 2024
Absence during school transition ‘is especially harmful’
New research warns against focusing only on chronic or persistent pupil absence, saying that moderate absences ‘accumulate over time and significantly impact achievement’
Scottish free meals pledge ditched for upper primary pupils
Pupils in the first five years of primary in Scotland receive free meals but the government has confirmed that the policy will not be delivered in P6-7
Wednesday
4th Sep 2024
Exams to be removed from some practical subjects in next school year
Scottish programme for government states that the exams will no longer feature in 2025-26, as part of national qualifications reform
SQA: PE update will open up subject to disabled students
As of this school year, Scottish students will be able to be assessed in Paralympic sports such as boccia and goalball in order to gain national qualifications in PE
SQA exams start date delayed after heads raise concerns
Some students would have started exams the day after returning from the Easter break under the Scottish Qualifications Authority’s original plans
Tuesday
3rd Sep 2024
Gilruth gives ‘clear support’ for whole-school phone bans
Education secretary moves to clarify government position after publication last month of guidance for schools on mobile phones and behaviour
EIS recommends teachers accept pay offer
Union ballot opens tomorrow on teacher pay offer of 4.27 per cent, which would apply to all salaries covered by the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers