What's vital for Scottish education in 2026? Our A to Z guide sets out what to watch

Closing the attainment gap was a central tenet of Nicola Sturgeon’s government but the latest stats show this pledge has failed. All eyes will be on how the government fares on raising attainment this year.

B FOR BEHAVIOUR

One of the major stories of Scottish education was a deterioration in classroom behaviour. This is certain to be a major theme in the run up to the election. Can the situation improve?

C IS FOR CURRICULUM

A review of the curriculum began in 2025 but work is ongoing. Expect a push for more vocational-based qualifications and apprenticeships in 226.

D IS FOR DUNDEE UNIVERSITY

It’s been a terrible year for Dundee Uni - job losses, financial mismanagement, a senior leadership team under fire. They will remain under the microscope in 2026.

E IS FOR EDINBURGH UNIVERSITY

Edinburgh University has seen multiple strikes this year and the financial pressures on the institution seem a long way from being resolved. More pressure from the unions is expected.

F IS FOR FURTHER EDUCATION

Colleges’ funding crises have dominated the headlines in 2025 and will be a major education pressure point for government in the election run-up.

G IS FOR GLASGOW UNIVERSITY

Professor Andy Schofield took on the role of Principal and Vice-Chancellor after Sir Anton Muscatelli retired. This year will demonstrate his plans for the ancient institution

H IS FOR HOLIDAYS

As part of suggestions to make school life better, changes to term times are always up for discussion. They will be again this year - but it’s unlikely to make any difference any time soon.

I IS FOR IPADS

The Scotsman revealed this year that school iPads give pupils access to porn and graphic material. Yet more councils are rolling out iPad provision. This is going to be controversial.

J IS FOR JOBS

Questions are still be raised about the issue of permanence for newly-qualified teachers. Many probationers are not moving on to full time work and are leaving the profession. What will Ms Gilruth do about it?

K IS FOR KNOWLEDGE

The government has its feet to the fire over Scotland’s PISA rankings. Will fresh ideas be mooted to help improve pupil knowledge and test results?

L FOR LEVERAGE FROM PRIVATE SCHOOLS

The private sector has been under pressure this year as Labour’s VAT changes properly began to bite. Independent schools will be lobbying hard for what they see as a fairer deal for the sector.

M IS FOR MOBILE PHONE BANS

Mobile phone use in class has been another massive hot topic, especially with Australia banning social media for under-16s. Expect more debates on the subject of blanket bans.

N IS FOR NURSERIES

The SNP is proud of its 1140 hours allocation of nursery provision and will trumpet this in the election run up. But will parties pledge to increase the hours in their manifestos? It seems likely.

O IS FOR OUTDOOR EDUCATION

Tory Liz Smith’s Outdoor Education Bill is set for its third reading. Will the new law pass and give all pupils the right to a residential excursion? Our money’s on yes.

P IS FOR POVERTY

Poverty is one of the biggest drivers of inequality in schools. The SNP has prioritised lifting children out of poverty. As Labour ends the two-child cap, will the extra cash for Holyrood be channelled towards tackling child poverty?

Q IS FOR QUALIFICATIONS SCOTLAND

The Scottish Qualifications Authority was scrapped this year and replaced with Qualifications Scotland. Now is the time for its mettle to be tested - the same body with a different name? Let’s see.

R IS FOR RESTRAINT

Legislation is on its way through Holyrood that would severely limit the use of restraint in schools and residential settings. We’ll know in 2026 if it will be made law.

S IS FOR SUPPORT NEEDS (GILRUTH’S ASN REVIEW)

Jenny Gilruth, education secretary, has announced a review of Additional Support Needs (ASN) as the number of pupils with ASN has risen to 43 per cent. Talking shop or meaningful report?

T IS FOR TEACHER NUMBERS

Retention and increasing teacher numbers will be a big talking point in 2026. So far the government has missed its target to employ 3500 more teachers. Must try harder.

U IS FOR UNIVERSAL FREE SCHOOL MEALS

Opposition parties plan to push for free school meal provision to be expanded. Will they get very far? One argument is that quality food should be prioritised over quantity of entitlement.

V IS FOR VIOLENCE

There’s poor behaviour - and then there’s the violence some schools are seeing. Can the government develop meaningful strategies to help teachers stay in the profession and make classrooms safe for pupils?

W IS FOR WORKLOAD

Teachers complain that workload is the biggest barrier to ensuring they have quality time in class with pupils. Jenny Gilruth has promised to tackle this - but previous promises have fallen by the wayside.

X IS FOR EXAMS

The SQA has already announced tweaks to the 2026 exam timetable after complaints over scheduling last year. Expect more adjustments in the run up to exam time.

Y IS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN CARE

The Promise - a vital piece of legislation for care experienced people - is still a work in progress. There will be more pressure placed on the government this year to meet that promise.

Z IS FOR ZIGZAGS

Campaigns are underway to stop parents parking on zigzags outside primary schools. Expect more of these in 2026 as the no-parking zones schemes are expanded.