Select subject Select subject New SQA Chief Executive's 100-day pledge to drive change New SQA Chief Executive Nick Page today (7 July) launched his leadership by announcing key actions for the next 100 days to fast-track change for learners and educators across Scotland. sqa-ceo-nick-page.png New SQA Chief Executive's 100-day pledge to drive change 7 July 2025 None Monday 7 July 2025 New SQA Chief Executive Nick Page today (7 July) launched his leadership by announcing key actions for the next 100 days to fast-track change for learners and educators across Scotland Mr Page - a former teacher with 30 years of classroom-to-boardroom experience - said the commitment marks the start of a new era of collaboration, transparency, and opportunity. It also marks an important milestone on the road to Qualifications Scotland, which Mr Page will also lead. The new national awarding body replaces SQA and assumes its responsibilities in December. Mr Page said: “The Education (Scotland) Bill has given us real momentum and a clear sense of direction. Learners and educators want to know how change will happen and how it will make a positive difference for them. “That’s why we are setting out these key actions for the next 100 days - so people can see and feel the progress we are making, both in the way we work and in the outcomes we deliver.” Key actions for the next 100 days include: Launch the new Schools Unit - led by Senior Adviser and headteacher Sarah Brown - to bring the organisation closer to the classroom and improve support for teachers and pupils. Build new partnerships with industry, employers, the third sector, and other stakeholders to ensure skills-based qualifications are future-focused and unlock opportunities for learners. Accelerate the ongoing transformation of SQA to ensure Qualifications Scotland is ready to deliver with and for learners and educators from day one. Expand our ‘Your Voice’ campaign to new and under-represented audiences - including industry, third sector, and political stakeholders – to ensure Qualifications Scotland delivers for everyone. Support the development of new statutory committees and co-creating charters to deliver on the Education (Scotland) Bill, embedding the voices of learners, and teachers and practitioners. Share progress from our digital transformation: a multi-year project that will streamline processes, transform our services, and ensure Qualifications Scotland is fit for the future. Listening, engaging, and delivering change Mr Page acknowledged that discussions during the Education (Scotland) Bill process revealed confusion about the full scope of SQA’s work - from accreditation and awarding to quality assurance and regulation. He added: “We’ve heard the concerns, and we’re acting on them. Over the next 100 days, we’ll work hard to raise awareness and understanding of what we deliver and the value that brings. “That includes making it clear how our independent functions operate, how we deliver and measure performance, and explaining the strengthened independence and governance of Accreditation. “We will also reach out to new stakeholders and partners, including those who responded to the Education (Scotland) Bill consultation. “They chose to respond because they care deeply about the future of qualifications. Enabling them to share their knowledge and perspectives will only strengthen our decision-making. Ensuring ‘Your Voice’ shapes Qualifications Scotland “Industry and employers also made up only a very small percentage of responses to the consultation. We need to understand why. Our skills-based and vocational qualifications, which unlock opportunities for learners every day, should be a priority for everyone who wants to see Scotland succeed. “We will shortly expand our ‘Your Voice’ programme to political stakeholders. This will ensure that those elected to represent every community in Scotland can offer insight and challenge and hold us to account on behalf of their constituents. “Together, we can ensure that Qualifications Scotland is a model of inclusion, transparency, and accountability. “The success of these key actions - and all the positive change we strive for - depends entirely on the skills, dedication, and professionalism of our people, working in partnership across the education and skills community. “On my first day as Chief Executive, I want to thank every member of every team for their ongoing commitment. It is their expertise and experience that will give learners, educators, and the public confidence in the work we do now and in the future of qualifications in Scotland.” 114327 447 07-JUL-2025 Mon, 7 Jul 2025 12:03:25 +0100 UPDATED Nick Page appointed Chief Executive of Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) CEO brings ‘classroom to boardroom’ experience and track record of transformation and delivery sqa-logo-news-blue.webp Nick Page appointed Chief Executive of Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) 27 June 2025 None Friday 27 June 2025 Three key take-aways Nick Page appointed SQA Chief Executive – starts 7 July following UK-wide search for high-calibre leader to drive transformation of national awarding and assessment body. 30 years’ “classroom-to-boardroom” experience – former teacher, Director of Children’s Services and Council CEO with track record of improving outcomes and values-led delivery. Pledges to deliver positive change – will drive ongoing transformation of SQA and work in partnership with educators, learners, the wider education and skills community, the Scottish Government, employers and industry to ensure success of Qualifications Scotland. 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.” 114227 447 27-JUN-2025 Fri, 27 Jun 2025 11:29:02 +0100 UPDATED
