‘Glacial’ reform of education system must move faster – Children’s Commissioner

Reform of Scotland’s education system is proving “glacial” and has focused on the wrong areas, the Children and Young People’s Commissioner said.

Commissioner Nicola Killean said exams should not dominate school years, and they are leading to older pupils becoming stressed.

Last year, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said exams would begin to play a smaller role in the grades pupils earn.

That came after a major report, the Hayward Review, recommended pupils do not sit exams prior to fifth year.

Ms Killean’s role is one of seven statutory commissioners in Scotland which act independently of government and are supported by the Scottish Parliament Corporate Body.

In a new report titled: “This is our lives, it matters a lot”, she said there is a “strong consensus” for change in education, but authorities must move faster.

The report included input from children, some of whom expressed “frustration” at ineffective strategies to tackle bullying.

Ms Killean said: “Too many children are being let down by our current system. Every child has a right to an education that develops their personality, talents, and abilities to their full potential.

“We’ve had review after review, and the promise of change, but children in school feel no improvement.

“The pace of education reform has not only been glacial, but it is fundamentally focused on the wrong areas.

“Time is being spent on restructuring adult agencies and not on addressing the needs of children within a system that is clearly failing them.

“Children should be at the heart of shaping change to education, working alongside all those adults tasked with delivering it – government, decision-makers, and practitioners.”

She continued: “We recognise assessments, exams, and qualifications should be understood as part of the education system, they should not dominate the system.

“Older children told us they were stressed, had little time to relax, and that exams had a lasting effect on their mental health.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We welcome this report from the Children’s Commissioner. The Scottish Government agrees wholeheartedly that the voices and rights of children and young people must continue to be central to our inclusive approach to improving learning and teaching in Scotland.

“A child-friendly, youth-led programme of engagement on key areas – including assessment, qualifications, and support for pupils with additional support needs (ASN) – will commence this spring, supported by the Scottish Government.

“While the rise in pupils with ASN presents challenges, it is encouraging that school leaver destinations for pupils with ASN are at near-record levels, and we are seeing record levels of achievement in schools. The 2025-26 budget also includes £29 million extra for ASN, building on record investment of over £1 billion spent last year by local authorities.

“Ministers will continue to engage with the Children’s Commissioner and with local authorities, who hold the statutory responsibility for the delivery of education.”