Scottish Teachers' Trust in Exam Board Hits a Low, Critics Slam 'Secrecy' and 'Cosmetic Rebranding'

Fewer than half of Scotland's teachers believe the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) is a credible organisation. Although the exam board has collected data on its credibility and engagement with teachers and pupils, it has not disclosed the exact figures, promising to release them next month.

The SQA's reluctance to share this information has drawn sharp criticism, with detractors labelling the secrecy "staggering" and the ongoing rebranding as "cosmetic." The criticisms arise amid the Scottish Government's broader education reforms, which include transitioning the SQA into a new body, Qualifications Scotland.

Annual surveys conducted by an independent research firm have gauged opinions from teachers, students, parents, and employers. These findings inform the SQA’s efforts to rebuild trust. However, current credibility and engagement scores remain under wraps, with the SQA citing internal protocols for the delay. Additionally, comparisons to previous years’ data are reportedly impossible due to changes in survey methodology.

A recently published corporate report, A Prospectus for Change, outlines the SQA's goals to double teacher engagement and credibility scores and increase learners' scores by 50% by 2027. Critics argue that these ambitious targets reflect how dire the current situation is, estimating current scores at 50% or lower.

Since the 2021 announcement to replace the SQA, many stakeholders have called for fundamental reforms. Key recommendations from a review led by Professor Ken Muir, such as splitting the exam board into two entities, were rejected by Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth. Additionally, the decision to retain the SQA's leadership has fuelled concerns that the rebranding is superficial.

Scottish Conservative education spokesperson Miles Briggs condemned the SQA's secrecy, calling it indicative of the exam board’s "serial failures" and suggesting the reforms are merely "cosmetic." Scottish Labour's Pam Duncan-Glancy echoed these concerns, describing the lack of transparency as "staggering" and accusing the SNP of perpetuating a culture of cover-up within Scottish education.

The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS), the country’s largest teaching union, warned that rebranding alone would not resolve the SQA's issues. The union called for a cultural overhaul and greater inclusion of teachers' voices in decision-making for the new qualifications body.

In response, an SQA spokesperson defended the organisation, stating that the scores would be released next month and dismissing claims of non-cooperation. The Scottish Government declined to comment on the matter.