Scottish Ministers have made the Education (Scotland) Act 2025 (Commencement No. 3) Regulations 2026 (SSI 2026/83). The instrument was made on 12 February, laid on 16 February and takes effect on 26 February 2026. It appoints that date for the provisions listed in the schedule, with any entry limited to a stated purpose commencing only for that purpose. According to the Explanatory Note, this tranche brings into force those parts of the Act not yet commenced by earlier regulations.
The Education (Scotland) Act 2025 received Royal Assent on 6 August 2025, establishing Qualifications Scotland as the successor to the Scottish Qualifications Authority and creating a stand‑alone office of His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education in Scotland. These structural reforms sit within a wider programme of education change endorsed by Parliament during the Bill’s passage. (parliament.scot)
Earlier commencement regulations began a phased start. They brought the Strategic Advisory Council into effect from late January 2026 and staged other provisions on 1 February, 1 March and 1 April 2026, alongside transitional arrangements for reporting by Qualifications Scotland and the new inspectorate. These measures ensure continuity while new governance and accountability duties bed in. (vlex.co.uk)
For schools and learners in the 2025/26 session, day‑to‑day delivery remains stable. National Qualifications in 2026 run as planned, with no changes to courses or assessment this year and existing centre approvals continuing. Centres retain their usual contacts during the transition, minimising operational impact at school level. (sqa.org.uk)
Qualifications Scotland became operational on 1 February 2026. The new body has set early priorities and will embed stronger learner and teacher voice while maintaining service continuity for this exam cycle. Certification and systems move under the new brand, but the approach is to avoid disruption to candidates and staff. (qualifications.gov.scot)
Inspection arrangements are moving to the new office of His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education in Scotland. Transitional provisions already in effect mean work started by HM Inspectors prior to the handover continues lawfully under the Chief Inspector, ensuring no gap in oversight for local authorities and schools. (vlex.co.uk)
Key dates for practitioners are now fixed. Royal Assent was on 6 August 2025; selected provisions were commenced from 27 January 2026; Qualifications Scotland began on 1 February 2026; remaining uncommenced parts start on 26 February 2026 under SSI 2026/83; and additional sections follow on 1 March and 1 April 2026 under earlier commencement regulations. (parliament.scot)
What to do now: continue current delivery and assessment arrangements; note that awarding body correspondence now issues from Qualifications Scotland; and monitor forthcoming charters and guidance that will give effect to the Act’s participation and accountability duties. Schools and centres should expect continuity through the 2026 exam series with communications from the new body phased rather than immediate. (sqa.org.uk)