Local authority approaches to supporting school improvement: Questionnaire analysis

We received questionnaire responses from:

  • 1,328 headteachers 

  • 485 local authority staff 

460 responses.

The questionnaire results presented reflect the aggregated views of responding local authority staff members. These findings should not be interpreted as fully representative of all local authority staff across Scotland.

Percentages have been rounded and may not add to 100.

Question 1

The education authority’s strategic plan for education is clearly focused on raising attainment and achievement for all learners.

Response Number of responses Percentage of total responses
Strongly agree

344

75%

Agree

108 

24% 

Disagree

1% 

Strongly disagree

Don't know

3

1% 

Question 2

The education authority’s stretch aims to measure its progress in raising attainment and towards closing the poverty-related attainment gap, were developed in collaboration with headteachers. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

205 

45% 

Agree 

187 

41% 

Disagree 

25 

6% 

Strongly disagree 

0% 

Don’t know 

40 

9% 

Question 3

The education authority’s stretch aims have been made clear to senior leaders. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

270 

59% 

Agree 

161 

35% 

Disagree 

1% 

Strongly disagree 

0% 

Don’t know 

24 

5% 

Question 4 

The education authority’s leadership structure is clear. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

282 

62% 

Agree 

144 

31% 

Disagree 

26 

6% 

Strongly disagree 

1% 

Don’t know 

1% 

Question 5

The education authority provides opportunities for children and young people to be involved and influence decision-making within the education authority. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

124 

27% 

Agree 

263 

58% 

Disagree 

37 

8% 

Strongly disagree 

1% 

Don’t know 

28 

6% 

Question 6

The education authority provides opportunities for parents and carers to be involved and influence decision-making within the education authority. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

124 

27% 

Agree 

278 

60% 

Disagree 

26 

6% 

Strongly disagree 

1% 

Don’t know 

29 

6% 

Question 7

The education authority’s arrangements and advice on self-evaluation is used effectively to help headteachers when planning for school improvement. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

254 

55% 

Agree 

181 

40% 

Disagree 

1% 

Strongly disagree 

0% 

Don’t know 

21 

5% 

Question 8

The education authority’s guidance and advice on reporting on education standards and quality is used effectively by schools when writing their school standards and quality report. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

189 

41% 

Agree 

230 

50% 

Disagree 

12 

3% 

Strongly disagree 

0% 

Don’t know 

29 

6% 

Question 9

The education authority’s guidance and advice on planning for improvement is used effectively by schools when writing school improvement plans. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

184 

40% 

Agree 

242 

53% 

Disagree 

2% 

Strongly disagree 

0% 

Don’t know 

26 

6% 

Question 10

The education authority provides constructive feedback to every headteacher on the quality of their improvement plan and standards and quality report. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

200 

44% 

Agree 

190 

41% 

Disagree 

27 

6% 

Strongly disagree 

0% 

Don’t know 

42 

9% 

Question 11

Between education authority staff and headteachers, there is a shared understanding of the purpose of its quality assurance activities. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

245 

53% 

Agree 

195 

43% 

Disagree 

2% 

Strongly disagree 

0% 

Don’t know 

10 

2% 

Question 12

The education authority adopts a systematic approach to its quality assurance activities. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

245 

53% 

Agree 

186 

40% 

Disagree 

2% 

Strongly disagree 

0% 

Don’t know 

19 

4% 

Question 13

The education authority invests in capacity building activities for its central education team to ensure that all schools experience a consistent application of the education authority’s program for quality improvement. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

190 

42% 

Agree 

200 

44% 

Disagree 

27 

6% 

Strongly disagree 

2% 

Don’t know 

34 

7% 

Question 14

The education authority’s quality assurance activities are making a positive difference to improving the quality of education in all its schools. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

182 

40% 

Agree 

230 

51% 

Disagree 

11 

2% 

Strongly disagree 

0% 

Don’t know 

35 

8% 

Question 15

 The education authority promotes and supports schools’ effective use of data to evaluate impact and outcomes on children and young people. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

309 

67% 

Agree 

140 

30% 

Disagree 

2% 

Strongly disagree 

0% 

Don’t know 

1% 

Question 16

The education authority uses data effectively to demonstrate its progress in raising attainment and achievement for all children and young people in its schools. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

282 

62% 

Agree 

159 

35% 

Disagree 

1% 

Strongly disagree 

0% 

Don’t know 

2% 

Question 17

The education authority uses data effectively to demonstrate its progress in closing the poverty-related attainment gap. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

261 

57% 

Agree 

172 

38% 

Disagree 

11 

2% 

Strongly disagree 

0% 

Don’t know 

14 

3% 

Question 18

The education authority communicates its rationale for the professional learning activities that are offered to headteachers and their staff. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

209 

45% 

Agree 

212 

46% 

Disagree 

23 

5% 

Strongly disagree 

0% 

Don’t know 

14 

3% 

Question 19

The education authority offers professional learning opportunities that develop the capacity and capability of headteachers to lead their schools. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

233 

51% 

Agree 

193 

42% 

Disagree 

2% 

Strongly disagree 

0% 

Don’t know 

23 

5% 

Question 20

The education authority’s strategy for raising attainment in literacy is clearly embedded in its programme of professional learning for teachers. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

277 

49% 

Agree 

193 

42% 

Disagree 

17 

4% 

Strongly disagree 

0% 

Don’t know 

21 

5% 

Question 21

The education authority’s strategy for raising attainment in numeracy is clearly embedded in its programme of professional learning for teachers. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

213 

46% 

Agree 

197 

43% 

Disagree 

24 

5% 

Strongly disagree 

0% 

Don’t know 

24 

5% 

Question 22

The education authority’s professional learning strategy draws on support from national organisations. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

216 

47% 

Agree 

207 

45% 

Disagree 

1% 

Strongly disagree 

0% 

Don’t know 

29 

6% 

Question 23

The education authority’s professional learning strategy provides opportunities to work with other education authorities to achieve common goals. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

140 

30% 

Agree 

257 

56% 

Disagree 

27 

6% 

Strongly disagree 

0% 

Don’t know 

34 

7% 

Question 24

The education authority invests in capacity building activities for its central education team to ensure that the competences and knowledge to lead school improvement activities are developed. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

165 

36% 

Agree 

212 

46% 

Disagree 

35 

8% 

Strongly disagree 

0% 

Don’t know 

46 

10% 

Question 25

There is a well-developed culture of support and challenge across the education authority. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

241 

52% 

Agree 

191 

42% 

Disagree 

20 

4% 

Strongly disagree 

0% 

Don’t know 

1% 

Question 26

 The education authority knows its schools well. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

305 

67% 

Agree 

133 

29% 

Disagree 

12 

3% 

Strongly disagree 

0% 

Don’t know 

1% 

Question 27

The education authority ensures that there is a named officer who is linked to each school. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

396 

86% 

Agree 

59 

13% 

Disagree 

0% 

Strongly disagree 

0% 

Don’t know 

1% 

Question 28

The local authority routinely discusses the performance of schools with headteachers to help identify strengths and areas of development. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

293 

64% 

Agree 

149 

33% 

Disagree 

0% 

Strongly disagree 

0% 

Don’t know 

15 

3% 

Question 29

 The education authority recognises the successes of its schools. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

262 

57% 

Agree 

174 

38% 

Disagree 

14 

3% 

Strongly disagree 

0% 

Don’t know 

2% 

Question 30: 

The education authority provides constructive feedback on schools’ self-evaluation processes. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

204 

45% 

Agree 

203 

45% 

Disagree 

15 

3% 

Strongly disagree 

0% 

Don’t know 

33 

7% 

Question 31

The education authority supports headteachers to lead effectively. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

227 

49% 

Agree 

207 

45% 

Disagree 

12 

3% 

Strongly disagree 

0% 

Don’t know 

14 

3% 

Question 32

Headteachers have opportunities to work collaboratively with other school leaders within the education authority. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

300 

66% 

Agree 

143 

31% 

Disagree 

2% 

Strongly disagree 

0% 

Don’t know 

2% 

Question 33

Headteachers are supported to exercise their autonomy to make key decisions relating to school improvement and education quality. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

252 

55% 

Agree 

188 

41% 

Disagree 

1% 

Strongly disagree 

0% 

Don’t know 

13 

3% 

 

1,328 responses.

The questionnaire results presented reflect the aggregated views of responding headteachers. These findings should not be interpreted as fully representative of all headteachers across Scotland.

Percentages have been rounded and may not add to 100.

Question 1

I have a good understanding of how decisions about education are made by the education authority. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

455 

34% 

Agree 

748 

56% 

Disagree 

82 

6% 

Strongly disagree 

19 

1% 

Don’t know 

21 

2% 

Question 2

The education authority’s strategic [improvement] plan for education is clearly focused on raising attainment and achievement for all learners. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

795 

60% 

Agree 

488 

37% 

Disagree 

29 

2% 

Strongly disagree 

0% 

Don’t know 

11 

1% 

Question 3

The education authority’s stretch aims to measure its progress in raising attainment and towards closing the poverty-related attainment gap have been made clear to me. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

696 

52% 

Agree 

534 

40% 

Disagree 

55 

4% 

Strongly disagree 

14 

1% 

Don’t know 

27 

2% 

Question 4

The education authority’s leadership structure is clear to me. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

716 

54% 

Agree 

504 

38% 

Disagree 

72 

5% 

Strongly disagree 

23 

2% 

Don’t know 

12 

1% 

Question 5

I have opportunities to be involved in and influence decision-making within the education authority. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

396 

30% 

Agree 

723 

54% 

Disagree 

144 

11% 

Strongly disagree 

29 

2% 

Don’t know 

35 

3% 

Question 6

 The education authority’s arrangements and advice on self-evaluation help me when planning for my school’s improvement. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

571 

43% 

Agree 

665 

50% 

Disagree 

55 

4% 

Strongly disagree 

11 

1% 

Don’t know 

23 

2% 

Question 7

The education authority’s guidance and advice on reporting on education standards and quality is useful to me when writing my school’s standards and quality report.

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

582 

44% 

Agree 

645 

49% 

Disagree 

59 

4% 

Strongly disagree 

12 

1% 

Don’t know 

28 

2% 

Question 8

The education authority’s guidance and advice on planning for improvement is useful to me when writing my school’s improvement plan. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

580 

44% 

Agree 

647 

49% 

Disagree 

61 

5% 

Strongly disagree 

12 

1% 

Don’t know 

24 

2% 

Question 9

The education authority provides constructive feedback to me on the quality of my school’s school improvement plan and standards and quality report. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

453 

34% 

Agree 

602 

44% 

Disagree 

178 

13% 

Strongly disagree 

49 

4% 

Don’t know 

42 

3% 

Question 10

Between education authority staff and headteachers, there is a shared understanding of the purpose of its quality assurance activities. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

558 

42% 

Agree 

642 

48% 

Disagree 

74 

6% 

Strongly disagree 

12 

1% 

Don’t know 

38 

3% 

Question 11

The education authority adopts a systematic approach to its quality assurance activities. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

465 

35% 

Agree 

639 

48% 

Disagree 

113 

9% 

Strongly disagree 

22 

2% 

Don’t know 

84 

6% 

Question 12

The education authority’s quality assurance activities are making a positive difference to improving the quality of education in my school. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

371 

28% 

Agree 

690 

52% 

Disagree 

139 

10% 

Strongly disagree 

32 

2% 

Don’t know 

92 

7% 

Question 13

The education authority has supported me to develop a systematic approach to self-evaluation in my school. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

377 

28% 

Agree 

719 

54% 

Disagree 

158 

12% 

Strongly disagree 

17 

1% 

Don’t know 

51 

4% 

Question 14

The education authority promotes and supports effective use of data to evaluate impact and outcomes on children and young people. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

711 

54% 

Agree 

568 

43% 

Disagree 

28 

2% 

Strongly disagree 

1% 

Don’t know 

11 

1% 

Question 15

The education authority uses data effectively to demonstrate my school’s progress in raising attainment and achievement. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

567 

43% 

Agree 

617 

47% 

Disagree 

85 

6% 

Strongly disagree 

12 

1% 

Don’t know 

38 

3% 

Question 16

The education authority uses data effectively to demonstrate its progress in closing the poverty-related attainment gap. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

528 

40% 

Agree 

623 

47% 

Disagree 

70 

5% 

Strongly disagree 

10 

1% 

Don’t know 

93 

7% 

Question 17

 I regularly participate in professional learning that develops my capacity and capability to lead my school. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

690 

52% 

Agree 

595 

45% 

Disagree 

35 

3% 

Strongly disagree 

1% 

Don’t know 

2% 

Question 18

The education authority’s rationale for the professional learning activities it offers to headteachers is clear to me. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

347 

26% 

Agree 

688 

52% 

Disagree 

165 

12% 

Strongly disagree 

32 

2% 

Don’t know 

93 

7% 

Question 19

The education authority’s strategy for raising attainment in literacy is clearly embedded in its programme of professional learning for teachers. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

445 

34% 

Agree 

701 

53% 

Disagree 

97 

7% 

Strongly disagree 

12 

1% 

Don’t know 

67 

5% 

Question 20

The education authority’s strategy for raising attainment in numeracy is clearly embedded in its programme of professional learning for teachers. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

407 

31% 

Agree 

711 

54% 

Disagree 

106 

8% 

Strongly disagree 

13 

1% 

Don’t know 

80 

6% 

Question 21

The education authority’s professional learning strategy draws on support from national organisations. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

397 

30% 

Agree 

727 

55% 

Disagree 

35 

3% 

Strongly disagree 

1% 

Don’t know 

157 

12% 

Question 22

The education authority’s professional learning strategy provides opportunities to work with other education authorities to achieve common goals. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

264 

20% 

Agree 

644 

49% 

Disagree 

183 

14% 

Strongly disagree 

29 

2% 

Don’t know 

199 

15% 

Question 23

There is a well-developed culture of support and challenge in the education authority. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

425 

32% 

Agree 

661 

50% 

Disagree 

158 

12% 

Strongly disagree 

35 

3% 

Don’t know 

45 

3% 

Question 24

 The education authority knows my school well. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

454 

34% 

Agree 

620 

47% 

Disagree 

134 

10% 

Strongly disagree 

33 

2% 

Don’t know 

83 

6% 

Question 25

When I need advice or support, I am able to contact a named education authority officer who is linked to my school. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

867 

65% 

Agree 

432 

33% 

Disagree 

16 

1% 

Strongly disagree 

0% 

Don’t know 

0% 

Question 26

The education authority routinely discusses the performance of my school with me, to help identify strengths and areas of development. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

523 

39% 

Agree 

632 

48% 

Disagree 

138 

10% 

Strongly disagree 

20 

2% 

Don’t know 

13 

1% 

Question 27

The education authority recognises my school’s successes. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

422 

32% 

Agree 

634 

48% 

Disagree 

151 

11% 

Strongly disagree 

26 

2% 

Don’t know 

7% 

Question 28

The education authority provides constructive feedback on my school’s self-evaluation processes. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

367 

28% 

Agree 

670 

51% 

Disagree 

190 

14% 

Strongly disagree 

27 

2% 

Don’t know 

66 

5% 

Question 29

The education authority supports me to lead effectively. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

415 

31% 

Agree 

734 

56% 

Disagree 

110 

8% 

Strongly disagree 

21 

2% 

Don’t know 

41 

3% 

Question 30

I have opportunities to work collaboratively with other school leaders within my local authority. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

746 

56% 

Agree 

549 

42% 

Disagree 

19 

1% 

Strongly disagree 

0% 

Don’t know 

0% 

Question 31

 I feel I can exercise my autonomy to make key decisions relating to school improvement and education quality. 

Response 

Number of responses 

Percentage of total responses 

Strongly agree 

607 

46% 

Agree 

632 

48% 

Disagree

54

4%

Strongly disagree

12

1%

Don’t know

16

1%