Policy
The latest news, analysis and advice on government policy and legislation. Find a breakdown of new documentation, case studies from leaders and comment from high-profile educators
Friday
27th Jun 2025
Cutting teachers’ contact time: councils highlight problems
Scottish local authorities are accused of ‘running down the clock’ on the government’s flagship policy of reducing teachers’ class-contact time

Trainees from overseas sleep in libraries and rely on food banks
International trainees and teachers are helping to tackle England’s recruitment crisis, but those who move here face huge obstacles. Cerys Turner explores why this is – and what should be done about it

Thursday
26th Jun 2025
Most EHCP decisions miss 20-week deadline
Another huge increase in requests shows the system creaking under demand, amid suggestions government is considering overhauling how EHCPs are issued

MSPs vote to replace SQA despite ‘rebrand’ criticism
The passing of legislation is an ‘opportunity missed’ to improve the learning environment of pupils, warns Scotland’s biggest teaching union

AI advances lay bare sluggishness of Scottish education reform
Change in Scottish education is proving slow – but could the forthcoming election focus minds when it comes to the promised reduction in teachers’ class-contact time, asks Emma Seith

Wednesday
25th Jun 2025
Why ‘additional registration’ gives flexibility but keeps up standards
More teachers could be making use of the opportunity to gain registration across both primary and secondary schools, says the chief executive of the General Teaching Council for Scotland

Scottish education reform reaches landmark
Education bill paves the way for change at Scotland’s national assessment and inspection bodies, but critics say it does not go far enough

The green shoots of education reform must spread further
The pace and scale of the government’s education reforms risk falling short – ministers need to listen to the sector and increase investment, writes Carl Ward

Monday
23rd Jun 2025
Scottish reform timeline sets target dates for new qualifications
‘Next steps’ document shows when curriculum, qualifications and assessment ‘will start to feel different’

Why Scotland must keep its Promise to children in care
Too many care-experienced children are missing out on the advice and support they desperately need, yet Scotland has an opportunity to lead the way, says Kenny Graham
