HM Inspectors have published a national evaluation of how local authorities support school improvement, following visits to all 32 local authorities.

The report highlights strong leadership, effective self-evaluation, and collaborative working as key strengths, while also identifying inconsistencies in the level and quality of support provided to schools. It calls for a stronger focus on ensuring all schools receive high-quality, well-moderated support and that leadership development at all levels is strengthened.

HM Chief Inspector Janie McManus said: “Across Scotland, there is much to commend. We have seen many examples of local authorities working effectively with schools to improve outcomes for children and young people. Strategic leadership and positive relationships, grounded in professional trust and respect, underpin many of these successes.

“However, we also found that support for school improvement is too variable. Stronger leadership development, more consistent self-evaluation, and clearer action planning for schools requiring additional support will be key to driving improvement.”

She continued: “One of the real strengths we saw was how many local authorities are using professional learning to build expertise across their schools. We found strong examples of peer learning, collaborative networks, and well-structured improvement frameworks. These approaches are making a real difference, and there is much to learn from them.”

The report acknowledges that local authorities are operating in a challenging financial context, which can place pressure on improvement efforts. It also highlights unique challenges that rural and remote contexts bring.  Whilst it is important to acknowledge, address and manage these tough challenges, the report also highlights that there is other work required to ensure all local authorities have strong approaches to supporting school improvement in place. For example, it emphasises the need to strengthen professional learning for local authority central officers to ensure they are fully equipped to lead and support improvement effectively.

Janie McManus added: “A key part of this work will be strengthening collaboration across the system—ensuring that local authorities, school leaders, and national partners work together effectively to share expertise and drive improvement. I am grateful to all those who contributed to this thematic inspection, including local authority officers, school leaders, elected members, teachers, professional associations, and parents. Their openness and commitment to improvement are evident throughout this report.”