Special school inspection findings: academic year 2024 to 2025

Published
04/06/2026
Last updated
12/06/2026

This report presents the main findings from inspections of special schools and special units carried out in the 2024 to 2025 academic year. 

His Majesty’s Inspectors (HMI) carried out 12 inspections, of which:

  • 6 were full model inspections
  • 6 were short model inspections

None of the schools required further inspections as a result of the original inspection.

Inspectors also carried out 35 inspections of special units located within mainstream schools.

HM Inspectors carried out inspections using quality indicators from How good is our school and associated inspection guidance. The report draws on evidence from inspection visits, professional dialogue and pre-inspection questionnaires.

HMIE has a statutory duty to inspect and report on the quality of education and outcomes for learners in Scotland under the Education (Scotland) Act 2025. This sector level summary provides an overview of strengths, areas for improvement and patterns identified through inspection activity during the year.

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