News

The Scottish Assembly of Parents and Carers recently worked with Qualifications Scotland (which has replaced the SQA) to gather parent and carer views to help inform its future priorities.

Through survey responses and an online discussion, parents and carers shared valuable insight on what matters most for the future of qualifications in Scotland.

The strongest messages from our members were:

• The importance of qualifications reflecting real world skills and future pathways, with stronger links to further education, employment and industry

• A desire for a broader range of assessment approaches, alongside exams,, to better reflect different ways learners demonstrate their knowledge and skills

• Improving fairness and accessibility, particularly for learners with additional support needs or health barriers

• Clearer information and reassurance for families, especially around support and appeals processes

• Greater flexibility and choice in qualifications and pathways

• Improved communication to help parents and carers understand what different qualifications mean and where they can lead

Members also highlighted the value of practical life skills, confidence building, and ensuring young people are well prepared for their next steps.

Qualifications Scotland welcomed the opportunity to hear directly from parents and carers, and the Assembly shared a full engagement report bringing together survey findings and focus group themes. This feedback will help inform Qualifications Scotland’s future planning and ongoing engagement with families.

We thank Qualifications Scotland for involving parents and carers at this early stage and we look forward to continuing to work together in the future.