Education reform Bill seems ‘little more than cosmetic name change’, says Tory

The Scottish Government’s flagship education reform Bill appears to be “little more than a cosmetic name change”, a Conservative MSP has claimed.

Speaking during a debate ahead of a vote on the Bill, Miles Briggs warned the legislation could be a “missed opportunity” to overhaul the system.

The Bill replaces the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) with a new body called Qualifications Scotland and establishes an independent inspectorate.

The general principles of the Bill have been backed by Holyrood’s Education Committee, but the group of MSPs said the legislation will need “significant amendment” at later stages to meet its goals.

During Wednesday’s debate, Scottish Labour education spokeswoman Pam Duncan-Glancy said her party will vote against the Bill.

She said it falls short of what is needed to reform the system and expressed doubt over whether it will meet the Government’s goals.

She said the Bill will need to “change significantly” to gain her party’s support.

MSPs from across the political divide told the Education Secretary that a change of culture is needed, as well as systemic change.

Jenny Gilruth told Holyrood the Bill is the start of change and not the final step, and said she agrees a change in culture is also needed.

Mr Briggs told the minister the Bill does not make clear how the Government will transform Education Scotland, which currently inspects schools, and what its future role will look like.

The Tory told her: “It is still not clear where genuine reform is going to take place and what vision the Government has for Education Scotland.

“I believe the Bill in its current form is a missed opportunity to reform that organisation.

“What ministers are currently proposing in the Bill feels little more than a cosmetic name change.

“Parliament therefore has an opportunity, I believe, to strengthen and build a much stronger Bill.

“If the Scottish Government are serious about restoring Scotland’s once world-leading educational representation reputation, then they must change their current approach and produce meaningful plans to deliver change in which our education system so desperately needs.”

The Education Secretary said the legislation is needed as it is clear “the status quo is not working”.

Ms Gilruth told MSPs she is happy to work with opposition parties on amending the Bill, but said reform must be urgently delivered.

“I have listened very carefully to the Parliament’s views about the SQA and I know that rebuilding trust with Scotland’s teachers will be absolutely critical,” she said.

“That is why reform, as I have previously set out to Parliament, is not in itself a panacea.

“Cultural change, both in Government and also in our agencies, will be essential if we are to build a new qualification system, which carries with it the credence that children, parents and the teaching profession will expect.

“The Bill is not the final step in our education reform agenda.

“Rather, it is the first step that provides the necessary structure our system needs to ensure that teachers, families and pupils have confidence in our schools and in the assessments provided.”