Autonomy in the right place: School governance reform in Scotland

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In the Scottish education system, there is a persistent gap in attainment between pupils from the highest and lowest income households. Closing this poverty-related attainment gap is a national priority for the Scottish government.

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This report examines the governance of the Scottish school system, and makes recommendations for how decision-making powers over education should be devolved to the local level as default.

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As the Scottish government reviews the governance structures and processes of Scottish schools, this report considers how reforming school governance could have a positive effect on pupils’ attainment. It also addresses the evidence of any differences between denominational and non-denominational schools.

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