Nick Page appointed Chief Executive of Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA)

Friday 27 June 2025

Three key take-aways

The Scottish Qualifications Authority today (June 27) confirms the appointment of Nick Page as its new Chief Executive.

Mr Page brings a track record of successful delivery, service transformation and improved outcomes across a 30-year career spanning teaching, children’s services and local-authority leadership.

He will become CEO of SQA on 7 July and assume the leadership of Qualifications Scotland when it replaces SQA in December. His appointment follows the successful passage of the Education (Scotland) Bill through its third stage.

The national awarding body now has former teachers leading the organisation (Nick Page) and serving as Scotland’s Chief Examining Officer (Donna Stewart). Experienced headteacher Sarah Brown will also join SQA next month as Senior Adviser, to lead development of the new Schools Unit.

Mr Page was identified as the outstanding candidate following a rigorous recruitment process led by SQA Chair, Shirley Rogers CBE. Mr Page was also the unanimous choice of a staff panel, a representative group of SQA colleagues which interviewed shortlisted candidates.

Ms Rogers said: “We set the bar high to find a dynamic leader with the depth of experience, values and commitment to public service and partnership that our organisation – and Scotland – needs.

“I am absolutely delighted that Nick has chosen to join us. His career spans many achievements and a proven ability to lead through both change and challenge.

“I am confident that, drawing on these experiences and a commitment to learning from them, Nick will drive the positive transformation that ensures Qualifications Scotland delivers for every learner, every educator, and every community.

“I also wish to thank John Booth for stepping up as interim Chief Executive and for the positive contribution he has made while leading our organisation.”

Mr Page said: “I am honoured to have the opportunity to serve as Chief Executive of SQA and to lead Scotland’s new national awarding body when Qualifications Scotland opens its doors in December.

“The passage of the Education (Scotland) Bill challenges us all to make reform a success – and we will deliver.

“SQA is already transforming at pace to build strong foundations for Qualifications Scotland, harnessing the deep knowledge, skills and commitment of our people. We will accelerate that work to deliver a future that improves outcomes and supports learning and teaching.

“As a former teacher from a family of teachers, I am keenly aware of the challenges faced in classrooms, colleges and across the education community, especially since the pandemic.

“Our new Schools Unit will ensure that the way we develop and deliver our products and services reflects this new reality, while safeguarding the credibility and value of qualifications.

“We will also work across the education and skills community to ensure that assessment and awarding align with wider pathways for success.

“By building new partnerships with industry and employers, we will strengthen the relevance and range of our skills-based and vocational qualifications to unlock opportunities for learners. That will help support Scotland with the skills our country needs to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

“I look forward to bringing my experience – and the lessons I have learned – to my new role. I want to begin by thanking my new colleagues, who have demonstrated great professionalism and successfully delivered over these past years of challenge and uncertainty.

“We now look forward to working with and for the education and skills community, in partnership with employers, industry, government, trade unions and other stakeholders, to support Scotland’s future success.”