24 January 2025

Are Scotland and England swapping places on education?

As Labour rolls back academy freedoms, Scottish parties are showing interest in a different approach.

Photo shows Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth during a visit to Stonelaw High School in Rutherglen, Scotland. — Photo by PA/ Alamy

For some years now, education reformers in Scotland have looked towards the English state school system with something like envy.

The academy model introduced by Tony Blair and further developed by Michael Gove has had a significantly positive impact on performance. The combination of school autonomy, supportive clusters and the focus on a knowledge-based curriculum have all helped England climb the international charts – it now comfortably outperforms the other nations of the UK.