Scotland
The latest news, analysis, investigations and professional advice covering everything to do with the schools sector in Scotland
Wednesday
8th Nov 2023
Qualifications reform: Scottish government told to stop ‘stalling’
A Holyrood committee has heard that the government must overcome its ‘inclination to delay big decisions’
How good are Scottish teachers at predicting grades?
Teachers’ estimated grades more closely matched students’ SQA exam results in 2023 than they did before the pandemic
Tuesday
7th Nov 2023
RICs to wind down as money diverted to support teachers
Regional Improvement Collaboratives worked across schools and local authorities, but education secretary Jenny Gilruth says their funding will ‘taper’
Nearly 4,000 exam results upgraded after appeals
New SQA data raises questions about the usual approach to appeals and whether there should be more scope for Scottish schools and students to question exam results
Friday
3rd Nov 2023
Scottish school strikes called off after support staff pay offer
Offer will be put to Unison Scotland members in coming weeks, meaning more strike action has been averted for now
Absence is a UK-wide problem. Here’s how to tackle it
Poor attendance has been an issue across the UK since the pandemic, but schools in Scotland are showing that the tide can be turned, finds Emma Seith
Thursday
2nd Nov 2023
Is punishing bullying ‘counterproductive’?
One behaviour expert says it is ‘tragic’ that a Scottish council is ruling out sanctions when it comes to bullying – but a parents’ organisation has applauded its approach
Are free meals for all good use of funding, ask MSPs
The Scottish government has been urged to evaluate the impact of rolling out free school meals to all primary pupils at a time when funding is stretched
Wednesday
1st Nov 2023
More support staff strikes announced in Scotland
Schools in four local authorities have been closed today as a result of strike action, and more walkouts are now scheduled for November
How to teach cybersecurity to the youngest pupils
Teaching resources about staying safe online tend to target older children, but a new picture book for children aged 4-7 aims to change that