National thematic inspection: empowerment for curriculum leadership

Published
18/01/2019
Last updated
18/12/2025

​Education Scotland is carrying out three national thematic inspections on aspects of empowerment as set out in the  Education Reform Joint Agreement, June 2018 (gov.scot). The inspections relate to the agreement on the expectations within the Headteachers' Charter in the Education Bill which will require local authorities to empower headteachers in the areas of:

  • improvement
  • curriculum
  • staffing; and
  • funding.

The second national thematic inspection will focus on curriculum leadership and how well headteachers and schools are empowered to design their curriculum in line with Curriculum for Excellence and in collaboration with their school community. Education Scotland inspectors will look at the following areas:

  • rationale and design of the curriculum
  • development of the curriculum; and
  • leadership of learning.

The Information for Directors of Education briefing note (PDF, 141KB) provides details of the national thematic inspection.

The Briefing for headteachers (PDF, 170KB) provides details about the visit being undertaken by HM Inspectors and the actions to be taken.

Headteachers are asked to complete the Self-evaluation form (Word, 144KB) and share with the HM Inspector on the day of the visit. An electronic version should also be submitted to the Inspection Administrator as soon as possible after the visit takes place. There is no requirement for the self-evaluation form to be submitted before the visit takes place.

Headteachers are also asked to complete the Meeting schedule (Word, 139KB) in discussion with the HM Inspector for sharing on the day of the visit. An electronic version should also be submitted to the Inspection Administrator as soon as possible after the visit takes place. There is no requirement for the completed meetings schedule to be submitted before the visit takes place.

Headteachers will receive the Briefing for participants in discussion groups (PDF, 143KB) and should share this with colleagues attending meetings with the HM Inspector.

Findings

Thematic Inspection of Empowerment for Curriculum Leadership (PDF, 1.4MB)