National thematic inspections

National thematic inspections investigate specific topics through inspection. We gather evidence and then report the findings of our inspection. This helps national and local government to make decisions and develop policies.

Evaluation of community learning and development in Scotland

November 2024 report from His Majesty’s Inspectors of Education considering the community learning and development (CLD) provision in Scotland.

Thematic Review: Improving outcomes for learners - Glasgow College Region

The region comprises three assigned colleges; City of Glasgow College; Glasgow Clyde College; and Glasgow Kelvin College. During the review, the team talked to learners, staff, and stakeholders to consider how well the region and its colleges supports successful learner outcomes.

Enhancing the quality of mathematics education in Scotland

A national thematic report from His Majesty’s Inspectors of Education

Local authority approaches to school improvement

Information about the national thematic inspection on local authority approaches to school improvement.

Evaluation of curriculum design in Scotland

A thematic report from His Majesty’s Inspectors of Education.

Responsive, supportive and resilient communities September 2022

HM Inspectors of Education have published a new report highlighting features of effective community development practice in response to COVID-19.

National Review: Approaches to recording and monitoring incidents of bullying in schools

This report examines how schools are recording, monitoring and responding to incidents of bullying.

Thematic reports up to and including June 2019

​Thematic review is an approach to inspection which involves a cross-sectoral team of inspectors.

Health and wellbeing: a thematic review

Scotland's HM Inspectors of Education have published a new report examining a range of approaches taken to support health and wellbeing in establishments nominated by local authorities.

Successful Approaches to Learning Outdoors

Scotland's HM Inspectors of Education have published a new report highlighting features of effective practice in outdoor learning.

Engaging families in learning – A thematic inspection of family learning

A national thematic inspection focused on gathering more in depth information and evidence around approaches to family learning.

Assessment within the broad general education: a thematic inspection

This report focuses on sharing the key features which, when taken together, make the greatest difference to using assessment effectively to improve learning and teaching and in turn, outcomes for children and young people.