The National Improvement Framework (NIF) launched on 6 January 2016. It is one of the most significant policy developments in Scottish education over the last 10 years.

The NIF and NIF interactive evidence report (NIFIER) have improved the availability, quality and consistency of data. This has extended our understanding of what drives improvements for children and young people across all parts of the Scottish education system.

The Scottish Government reviews the NIF annually and publishes an improvement plan. These are informed by priorities drawn from the regional, local, and school level improvement plans. They set out the vision and priorities for Scottish education that have been agreed across the system, and the national improvement activity that needs to be undertaken to help deliver those priorities.

The National Improvement Framework 2025

The National Improvement Framework 2025 (gov.scot) provides a long-term strategy for Scottish education.

The refreshed framework addresses the findings of independent reviews of Scottish education to enable more effective planning for improvement by the Scottish Government, national organisations, and local authorities. It also reflects the guiding values for putting learners at the heart of our education system as set out in the national discussion on education (gov.scot).

The vision for education in Scotland sketchnote (PDF) illustrates the priorities and educational outcomes for children and young people.

Implementing the National Improvement Framework

The National Improvement Framework (NIF) is delivered through a joint programme between Education Scotland, the Scottish Government Learning Directorate and other national partners, including local authorities and the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS).

Evidence is gathered from various sources, including the national census, inspections, and input from local authorities and Education Scotland. This evidence is analysed by Scottish Government to inform Scottish Ministers and policy makers of the status of Scottish education and to support the identification of the next steps for improvement.