Scotland Shared Early Curriculum Materials and Set Out Next Steps for 2028 Reform (United Kingdom, June 2026)
The Scottish Government announced that early samples of new curriculum materials had been shared with councils as part of the most significant Scottish curriculum reform in more than a decade.
The Scottish Government announced that early samples of new curriculum materials had been shared with councils as part of the most significant Scottish curriculum reform in more than a decade.
What Changed?
Education Scotland shared early draft samples from the Curriculum Improvement Cycle, with a full draft technical curriculum framework expected in early autumn and implementation planned from August 2028.
Old System vs New System
Scotland's Curriculum for Excellence remained in place while reform work continued following reviews and the Curriculum Improvement Cycle.
The updated curriculum will clarify knowledge and progression, be benchmarked against international standards and be supported by proposed additional in-service days in 2026 to 2027.
Who Is Affected?
Student Impact
Students are expected to receive a clearer curriculum with more explicit knowledge, progression and skills expectations once implemented.
Parent / Family Impact
Parents may gain clearer expectations about what children should know and be able to do at each stage.
School / Institution Impact
Schools and councils must prepare for new curriculum materials, training time and phased implementation from 2028.
Teacher / Staff Impact
Teachers may receive additional in-service days and draft materials to prepare for curriculum changes.
Key Dates
- Announcement: 2026-06-25
- early materials for 2026 to 2027
- full draft framework expected early autumn 2026
- implementation planned from August 2028.
What To Do
- Schools should engage with early materials
- plan professional learning and monitor local authority decisions on additional in-service days.
What To Watch Next
Watch for the full draft technical curriculum framework and agreement on additional in-service days.
Global Context
The reform is significant internationally because Scotland is updating a well-known competence-based curriculum model toward clearer knowledge and progression.
Source Record
Source type: Official announcement
Source name: Scottish Government