In 2015 we launched a new phase of school inspections based on the Education Scotland Framework 'How Good is Our School?'
As in previous phases of school inspections, the framework is based on self-evaluation which is then challenged, judged and validated by a team of independent HM inspectors.
The criteria used for the inspections focus specifically on the impact of schools in improving the educational experiences and lives of pupils through learning and their successes and achievements, particularly the broad outcomes for learners. This emphasis on impact and outcomes reinforces the principle that self-evaluation is not an end in itself. It is worthwhile only if it leads to improvements in educational experiences and outcomes.
The key sources of evidence come from what the team of inspectors actually observe when they visit the school, from data of various sorts, scrutiny of students'/pupils' work, analysis of parental views and from the views of people who are closely involved with the school, such as the children and young people themselves, partner agencies, as well as staff.
The inspectors evaluate the school's performance under three broad criteria:
- How well do young people learn and achieve?
- How well does the school support young people to develop and learn?
- How well does the school improve the quality of its work?
Copies of the full inspection reports will be made available on this page as soon as they are published.
