Findings from the biggest listening exercise ever undertaken on Scottish education have been published.
The National Discussion asked the public for their views and reached 38,000 people, including 26,000 pupils and students.
Key findings from the report All Learners in Scotland Matter: Our National Discussion include:
The National Discussion has prompted around 38,000 people across Scotland to make their voices heard about the future of education. The engagement was wide-ranging and encompassed views that can too often be overlooked.
EDUCATION SECRETARY, JENNY GILRUTH
The central message of the report, that all learners in Scotland matter, will now be the guiding vision that underpins our programme of education reform.
I am grateful to everyone who took part, including the schools, community groups, local authorities and third sector organisations that hosted events. This vision is the starting point as we look to the future. The challenge for all of us in Scottish education now is to work together to make this vision a reality.
The independent report was commissioned by the Scottish Government and COSLA and facilitated by Professor Carol Campbell and Professor Alma Harris, who are both members of the International Council of Education Advisers.
It has been a great privilege to facilitate the National Discussion. I am delighted that the vision for All Learners in Scotland Matter will be central to ensuring an ambitious, supportive, and inclusive Scottish education system.
PROFESSOR CAMPBELL
I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the National Discussion. Every single contribution has been hugely valuable and has enabled us to develop the vision, values, and Call to Action that will shape the future landscape of education in Scotland.
PROFESSOR HARRIS
Background
All Learners in Scotland Matter: Our National Discussion on Education has been published in response to Professor Ken Muir’s review: ‘Putting Learners at the Centre: Towards a Future Vision for Scottish Education.’ This recommended holding a national discussion to establish a compelling and consensual vision for the future of Scottish education. The National Discussion was co-convened by the Scottish Government and COSLA.
At least 38,000 people were reached throughout the consultation, including:
National Discussion events took place across Scotland between September 21 and December 5 last year. These were led by schools, community groups, local authorities and third sector organisations.