Who we are

Published
16/09/2025
Last updated
01/04/2026

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) provides independent inspection of education in Scotland.

Inspection

We carry out inspections across sectors to:

  • assess quality
  • support improvement
  • inform policy

Our work gives assurance to learners, families, educators and to Parliament.

Promoting improvement

We promote improvement by sharing effective practice and generating evidence to shape national thinking.

The future of HMIE

While the Education (Scotland) Act has passed, HMIE continues to operate under existing statutory duties to:

  • carry out inspections
  • publish findings
  • support system learning

We’re preparing for more powers relating to inspection. This includes the power to set the frequency and focus of inspections, moving this function from Ministers to His Majesty’s Chief Inspector.  

HMIE reports and documents

Existing reports published under Education Scotland will continue to carry the Education Scotland logo.

We'll update documents and other materials with HMIE branding as we transition. 

Our relationship with the Scottish Government

The following document sets out the basis for the relationship and working arrangements between the Scottish Government and HMIE, in relation to their respective roles in overall policy responsibility for education in Scotland and the independent inspection of education provision.

Scottish Government and His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education Framework document (PDF, 112 KB)