Last year, a think-tank branded Scottish education "cautious, conformist, risk-averse and stuck in its ways". Earlier this year, an opportunity to change this culture arose with the publication of Professor Ken Muir’s report on reforming the institutional structure of the system, replacing the Scottish Qualifications Authority, reforming Education Scotland, and giving the Inspectorate independent status.
Among the recommendations was a call for "a renewed vision" for Scottish education involving fundamental debate about aims and values, in which the perspectives of learners and teachers, not just educational leaders, would help to influence future policy.
