Head of Scotland’s exam body to retire after 11 years
THE head of Scotland’s exam body is stepping down after 11 years in the post.
Dr Janet Brown, chief executive of the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), will retire next year once a successor has been appointed.
Ms Brown, 67, who joined the organisation in 2007, has overseen a difficult time for the exam body.
Teaching unions criticised the SQA for its handling of the introduction of new qualifications, with particular concerns over a Higher maths paper in 2015 that officials admitted was “too hard”. A year later, the SQA had to apologise after a number of coding errors appeared in a National 5 computing science paper.
A particular concern for teaching unions has also been the tone of correspondence from officials.
Two weeks ago a letter to schools introducing random spot checks to clamp down on inappropriate coaching by teachers was described as “wilfully insensitive”.
Internally, the SQA has also hit problems, with the handling of a restructuring of departments overwhelmingly criticised by staff in a ballot by the Unite union.
David Middleton, chairman of the SQA, paid tribute to the leadership of Ms Brown over the past decade.
He said: “I have conveyed to Janet the thanks of the SQA board for her outstanding service. The process of recruiting her successor will begin shortly.
“In the meantime, I know Janet’s strong commitment to SQA and to Scotland’s learners will continue as she will remain in post until a suitable candidate has been appointed.”
Education Secretary John Swinney said: “Janet Brown has led the SQA for over a decade.
“She has provided strong leadership during a time of change and ensuring that we enjoy a robust and credible qualifications system. I thank Janet for the very important contribution she has made to our education system over the years and wish her well in her retirement when it comes.”
Larry Flanagan, general secretary of the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) teaching union, also wished her well. He said: “While the EIS has contested aspects of the practice of the SQA in recent years, we have always enjoyed a respectful and constructive working relationship with Dr Brown.
“We wish her the best and hope to establish a similarly productive relationship with her successor.”