“We must reflect on the real urgency for reform of our qualifications body,” Jenny Gilruth told MSPs on 12 March 2025. That urgency has now turned into statute. (parliament.scot)

Scottish Ministers have formally established a Strategic Advisory Council for Qualifications Scotland. The regulations were made on 28 January 2026, laid before Holyrood on 30 January, and will come into force on 12 March 2026. The move gives the advisory council a clear legal footing to influence how Scotland’s qualifications are shaped and overseen.

By law, the council will consider matters relating to Qualifications Scotland’s awards and the organisation’s functions and procedures, and it can advise either the body itself or Ministers-on request or on its own initiative. The regulations are made under section 9 of the Education (Scotland) Act 2025, which set the framework for this council. (legislation.gov.uk)

Who gets a seat matters. Ministers must appoint voices for children and young people, parents and carers, and people with additional support needs. Places are also reserved for trade union representatives from education staff, business and industry, a director of education, the Scottish Funding Council, and representatives from colleges and universities. Ministers may add others with relevant expertise. This is a broad tent by design, aimed at bringing users, practitioners and employers into the room.

Two conveners will lead the council, and one-but only one-must also sit on the board of Qualifications Scotland. Staff of Qualifications Scotland cannot be appointed as council members. Terms run up to four years, with reappointment possible to a maximum of 12 years’ service. (legislation.gov.uk)

Accountability is baked in. Written advice from the council must be shared with both Ministers and Qualifications Scotland, and the organisation must respond in writing. Qualifications Scotland is also required to publish its procedures for consulting the council and responding to its advice. At least one council meeting each financial year will be open to the public, with efforts made to encourage people to attend. (legislation.gov.uk)

Why this matters to the North. Every year, universities and colleges from Carlisle to Newcastle enrol thousands of students with Scottish Highers, and employers across Cumbria and Northumberland hire school leavers and apprentices from both sides of the border. The Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal-spanning Dumfries and Galloway, Scottish Borders, Cumberland, Westmorland & Furness and Northumberland-puts serious money into skills and business, with total deal investment of around £450 million. A stable, trusted qualifications system in Scotland is part of that cross‑border jigsaw. (gov.scot)

The reforms also sit alongside a duty on Qualifications Scotland to work with others “within or outwith Scotland”, reinforcing cross‑border cooperation on standards and recognition-relevant for North East colleges delivering mixed provision and for employers assessing applications. (legislation.gov.uk)

This council is one pillar of the wider shift from the SQA to Qualifications Scotland. The Scottish Government’s reforms aim to put learners, teachers and practitioners nearer the decision‑making table, with new Learner Interest and Teacher and Practitioner Interest Committees feeding in as well. (sqa.org.uk)

What to watch next. After 12 March 2026, Ministers will confirm members and the two conveners. Qualifications Scotland must publish how it consults the council and how it responds to its advice, and the teacher and practitioner charter will go to the council and Ministers for comment before it is finalised. Expect the first public session within the 2026/27 financial year. (legislation.gov.uk)

For Northern employers and admissions teams, the signal is simple: keep using SCQF levels and UCAS tariff points when judging Scottish Highers, and stay alert to any advisory notes from the new council that touch on assessment or subject content. That will help keep cross‑border recruitment fair and consistent. (ucas.com)