Scottish Ministers have confirmed that the final tranche of powers in the Education (Scotland) Act 2025 will start on Thursday 26 February 2026. The Education (Scotland) Act 2025 (Commencement No. 3) Regulations 2026 (SSI 2026/83) were signed by Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth on 12 February and laid before the Scottish Parliament on 16 February. ([]())

This date tidies up the legislative work behind Scotland’s education reforms: replacing the Scottish Qualifications Authority with Qualifications Scotland and creating a stand‑alone office of His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education in Scotland. The Act was passed on 25 June 2025 and received Royal Assent on 6 August 2025, setting the direction for a system with stronger teacher and learner voice. (parliament.scot)

Most of the heavy lifting began earlier in the year. A previous commencement order set 27 January for establishing the Strategic Advisory Council, 1 February for core provisions to switch on, and further waves on 1 March, 1 April and 31 August to manage inspection, reporting and transition. The Government also named the inaugural board for Qualifications Scotland on 28 January. (vlex.co.uk)

Qualifications Scotland formally started work on 2 February. Early priorities include engaging on plans to place less reliance on high‑stakes exams, recruiting learner and practitioner committees, and opening up decision‑making. As the Education Secretary put it, “Qualifications Scotland will deliver real improvements for learners and teachers… with less reliance on high‑stakes exams and greater recognition of achievement.” (qualifications.gov.scot)

For councils and school leaders from the Highlands to the Borders, the practical ask now is straightforward. Exam delivery for the 2026 diet remains on track while awarding transfers to the new body; centres will phase in the new branding and contacts without needing to rush costly reprints. Local education teams should make sure data‑sharing and complaints contacts are up to date with the new organisation. (parliament.scot)

Inspection and enforcement processes continue without a break. Transitional rules mean any live school inspections or notices issued under previous law are treated as if made under the new Act once the relevant provisions commence, avoiding duplication and giving clarity to heads and governing bodies. (vlex.co.uk)

Parents and learners looking across the Border should be reassured on recognition. A separate consequential order updates statutes so references to SQA are replaced with Qualifications Scotland across the legal framework, helping universities, employers and UK‑wide systems align with the new body. (legislationtracker.co.uk)

Today’s commencement notice matters because it closes the final gaps left by earlier orders. The regulations specify that where a section is commenced for a stated purpose, it applies only to that purpose-an important legal detail for council lawyers and school business managers planning policies and paperwork ahead of month‑end. ([]())