Education Scotland’s thematic inspection highlights strengths and next steps for Moray

The inspection, which looked at how all 32 Scottish local authorities help schools to improve, included visits to each council during September and October 2024. The national report, along with a Moray-specific summary, was presented to the Education, Children’s and Leisure Services Committee on 13 May 2025.

Inspectors pointed out many positives in how Moray supports its schools, given the size of the central team and changes in education nationally. These included providing a range of self-evaluation tools; encouraging schools to work together through Family Improvement Groups; offering a well-organised training programme for school staff; and a quality improvement framework. The move from traditional Associated Schools Groups (ASGs) to Family Improvement Groups was made following feedback from Head Teachers, who expressed a preference to collaborate with schools of a similar size and context. This change has been well received, as it helps schools share ideas and support each other more effectively.

Areas highlighted for further improvement include continuing to make quality assurance visits targeted and bespoke; helping secondary schools improve; and building stronger leadership where schools work together to support and challenge each other. Inspectors noted that while many primary schools in Moray are improving well, progress in secondary schools is not as consistent.

In response, the council is taking a number of actions. These include sharing school risk assessments with Head Teachers and Committee members; continuing to improve the Moray Quality Improvement Framework; and making better use of data to identify and support schools that need more help. Head Teachers will also be invited to attend committee meetings when inspection reports for their schools are published, to encourage open discussion and shared accountability with elected members and council officers.

Chair of the Education, Children’s and Leisure Services Committee, Cllr Kathleen Robertson, said: “We welcome this inspection and are pleased that many of Moray’s strengths in supporting school improvement have been recognised. At the same time, we’re acting on the findings and ensuring that all our schools, particularly in the secondary sector, are fully supported to deliver the best outcomes for our children and young people, which is ultimately the end goal for all of us.”