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The Introduction of a Unified System of Post-Compulsory Education in Scotland



Overview


A Research Project funded by the Economic and Social Research Council
The study examines the first three years of implementation of the Higher Still reform in Scotland which brings academic and vocational tracks in post-16 education within a unified system.

It builds on the insights and conceptual framework of the ESRC-funded Unified Learning Project (ULP: 1996-98), which studied policy development at national level, by following this into the implementation phase.
The project aims to:
  • examine the emerging model of a unified system and how this model is shaped during the implementation process;
  • analyse the policy process and consider whether this is distinctive for policies to introduce a unified system;
  • examine the role of institutions (schools and colleges) in shaping the reform;
  • explore the articulation of the unified system with work-based provision and higher education, and the role of the new Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework;
  • compare Scottish developments with those in England.
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    The research involves:
    Surveys of all secondary schools, colleges and local authorities in Scotland; analyses of official data on school and college provision; case studies of six institutions; and interviews with key informants.


    Researchers


    David Raffe, Cathy Howieson, Teresa Tinklin


    Academic Advisory committee


    The project is supported by an Academic Advisory Committee.


    Publications


    Published and working papers from this project are posted on this site as they become available. Publications from the Unified Learning Project are also available.