The agreement, involving the Scottish Government, COSLA, and teaching unions, forms part of multi-year support for the implementation of an updated curriculum. A short-term working group will also assess further support needs for schools and teachers, with a roadmap to be published early next year.
Education Scotland has made draft curriculum materials available, co-designed with input from over 1,500 teachers and experts. These materials are being shared in draft for testing and refinement, with more advanced drafts expected in early 2027. Over 3,800 professionals have registered interest in providing feedback.
Education Scotland and Qualifications Scotland are collaborating to develop qualifications for learners aged 16-18, aligned with the updated curriculum for the senior phase.
“"Teachers must have appropriate time and support to prepare properly – investing in dedicated time now will ensure high-quality learning and teaching for young people once the updated curriculum is implemented in August 2028."
Education Secretary Màiri McAllan highlighted the reform as a significant milestone, building on Curriculum for Excellence and responding to the OECD's call for greater clarity and focus on knowledge. She encouraged councils to align additional days with existing school holidays to minimise disruption.
“"AHDS is very pleased that we now have an agreement in place for two additional in-service days during the remainder of this school session, and that is work underway to ensure that further development days are swiftly agreed for subsequent years."
“"We are pleased that an agreement on additional in-service days has now been reached. This will allow schools to plan with confidence on giving staff time to engage with the draft curriculum materials and begin the process of what will be major curriculum reform."
Councils will determine the specific dates for the additional in-service days, aiming to align them with existing holidays. Dispensation will be granted under the Education (Scotland) Act 1980. The reforms follow an independent OECD review of Curriculum for Excellence in 2021.
