The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) is to be replaced, education secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has revealed.

Education Scotland - which has dual inspection and curriculum development roles - also faces fundamental change, with its responsibility for inspection to go to a different organisation.

Both major decisions were announced as part of the Scottish government’s response to the long-awaited review of Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), which was published this morning.

Earlier today: OECD review paves way for qualifications overhaul

Exclusive interview: Last week’s Tess interview with Shirley-Anne Somerville

Covid impact: SQA exam cancellations save millions for second year

In an exclusive interview with Tes Scotland last week, Ms Somerville promised teachers that reform of the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) and Education Scotland - initially promised earlier this month - would be fundamental and not just an exercise in rebranding.

Today, the education secretary announced that all 12 of the OECD review’s recommendations will be accepted in full, including recommendations on curriculum, assessment and qualifications, which will see the SQA “replaced” and Education Scotland “substantially reformed”.

The Scottish government also said it would “actively consider what changes are required to our qualifications and assessment system”, adding: “This work will be heavily informed by the next OECD report [on assessment], expected in the autumn, and by consultation with young people, parents, teachers and the wider education system.”

Education Scotland will no longer undertake inspections, with this work becoming a separate, independent role. The government is to “engage widely on the options for the future of inspection”.

The government noted that the “OECD also suggests that the curriculum work currently undertaken by Education Scotland might best sit with any new curriculum and assessment body which will replace the SQA”.

Ms Somerville, who will make a statement in the Scottish Parliament tomorrow, said: “The last few years have accelerated a debate about the future of Curriculum for Excellence and senior phase education in particular.

“The OECD report is crystal clear - Curriculum for Excellence is the right approach for Scotland.

“In fact, despite all the criticism here at home, the OECD tells us it is viewed internationally as an inspiring example of curriculum practice.”

My initial response to @OECD report into Scotland’s curriculum which concludes CfE is the right approach. After 10 years it’s natural changes are needed and @scotgov accepts all recommendations. We will now move to replace @sqanews and substantially reform @EducationScot. https://t.co/GxgbjcoDFE

- Shirley-Anne Somerville (@S_A_Somerville) June 21, 2021

Ms Somerville added: “However, 10 years on from CfE being introduced, it is right and proper that we review how it is being implemented. 

“We accept in full all 12 recommendations from the OECD.

“We will replace the SQA. We will talk to young people, parents and teachers to build a system that works in line with CfE - exactly as the OECD recommends.

“Responsibility for inspection will no longer sit with Education Scotland and we will look at what further reform of the agency’s functions is required.

“Everyone across the education system, including at the SQA and Education Scotland, has worked tirelessly this year under very challenging circumstances. They are owed a debt of gratitude.

“What comes next is a period of change. But it is change in order to improve, to achieve more and to deliver for Scotland’s pupils. Our commitment is to do exactly that and we will work with everyone and anyone willing to help to make that a reality.”

Scottish Greens education spokesperson Ross Greer, who has been at the forefront of calls for fundamental reform of SQA and Education Scotland, tweeted: “This feels like much more than a cosmetic exercise, so I’m optimistic about the chance to achieve some really meaningful change through the new agencies. After years of pushing, we are finally getting somewhere!”

Just in: The SQA and Education Scotland are being replaced! One of the new bodies will be responsible for both the curriculum and assessments, the other will be an independent inspectorate.https://t.co/zGs9sNEKTC

- Ross Greer (@Ross_Greer) June 21, 2021

In a parliamentary answer to a question from Mr Greer about the government response to the OECD report, Ms Somerville wrote of her intention to “replace the SQA with a new, specialist agency and I am minded to make this new body responsible for both curriculum and assessment, to ensure clarity, coherence and alignment as recommended by the OECD”.

She also highlighted the OECD report’s finding that “having the inspectorate as part of an organisation that is also responsible for supporting school leaders, curriculum design and support, teacher professional learning and a range of other initiatives is an ‘unusual configuration’”. 

Larry Flanagan, general secretary of the EIS teaching union, welcomed the news that “the SQA is to be scrapped and replaced by a new body”.

He said: “It is essential that any new body is properly configured and is accountable to the profession through a model of governance based on educational, rather than political, considerations and with a teacher voice at its heart.”

In a statement, SQA chief executive Fiona Robertson said: “While our focus right now is on supporting our young people to get the qualifications they deserve this year, I welcome the OECD findings and today’s announcement of a new specialist agency with responsibility for both curriculum and assessment. This is an opportunity for significant change that will meet the future needs of our learners, our society and our economy, and which has the support of all.

“We will make a full and positive contribution to the process that lies ahead, drawing on our experience and expertise as Scotland’s qualifications and accreditation body, and working in partnership with others across the education system. Whatever outcome eventually emerges, it is critical that we all commit to maintaining the high standards that have long been the hallmark of Scotland’s qualifications.

“In the meantime, we will continue our work to deliver this year’s national qualifications in exceptional and challenging circumstances. I echo the cabinet secretary’s thanks to SQA staff who have worked tirelessly to deliver, with professionalism and integrity.”