‘SQA needs to deliver and change’ ahead of the axe falling in 2024
The Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) needs to take “a short, hard look at itself” as “more is needed” to help young people and teachers in Scotland now, an independent adviser has said.
Speaking before the Scottish Parliament’s education committee yesterday, Professor Kenneth Muir said there was not a “quick fix” as the SQA, which is due to be scrapped and replaced by summer 2024, is undertaking “two and possible three diets of examinations" in Scotland.
He said the “SQA needs to continue to deliver as well as change” and “take a short, hard look at itself ”.
Prof Muir’s comments come after he drew up a report for Scottish education agencies to be replaced and scrapped by 2024. The report, which ministers have agreed to accept, stated there was too much focus on exams in schools.
This report recommends a new qualifications body, potentially named Qualifications Scotland, as well as a replacement for Education Scotland.
Another independent agency is to be established to run school inspections. Legislation will need to be passed at Holyrood to set up all three bodies.
Making 21 recommendations for the future structure of education agencies, Prof Muir said he heard a lot of criticism of the SQA being an “unlistening” and “distant” organisation.
He said: "My report is designed to be a catalyst for further reform and further change. It is certainly the case the replacement of SQA and the restructuring of the reform of Education Scotland is a starter, but I think more is needed in order to ensure the education system in Scotland is fit for purpose for current and future learners in what is a very changing world."
Quoting a senior Scottish headteacher, Prof Muir said “for a number of years” SQA had become “tone deaf ”.
Prof Muir said if the new body was adopted as a rebranded SQA, he said himself and the profession would be “very disappointed”.
Not supporting a complete rehiring of new leadership, the professor suggested SQA leadership “needs to look” at the report to use those as “a mirror to reflect on their current practice”.