Select subject Select subject Nick Page appointed Chief Executive of Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) CEO brings ‘classroom to boardroom’ experience and track record of transformation and delivery sqa-logo-news-blue.webp Nick Page appointed Chief Executive of Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) 27 June 2025 None Friday 27 June 2025 Three key take-aways Nick Page appointed SQA Chief Executive – starts 7 July following UK-wide search for high-calibre leader to drive transformation of national awarding and assessment body. 30 years’ “classroom-to-boardroom” experience – former teacher, Director of Children’s Services and Council CEO with track record of improving outcomes and values-led delivery. Pledges to deliver positive change – will drive ongoing transformation of SQA and work in partnership with educators, learners, the wider education and skills community, the Scottish Government, employers and industry to ensure success of Qualifications Scotland. The Scottish Qualifications Authority today (June 27) confirms the appointment of Nick Page as its new Chief Executive. Mr Page brings a track record of successful delivery, service transformation and improved outcomes across a 30-year career spanning teaching, children’s services and local-authority leadership. He will become CEO of SQA on 7 July and assume the leadership of Qualifications Scotland when it replaces SQA in December. His appointment follows the successful passage of the Education (Scotland) Bill through its third stage. The national awarding body now has former teachers leading the organisation (Nick Page) and serving as Scotland’s Chief Examining Officer (Donna Stewart). Experienced headteacher Sarah Brown will also join SQA next month as Senior Adviser, to lead development of the new Schools Unit. Mr Page was identified as the outstanding candidate following a rigorous recruitment process led by SQA Chair, Shirley Rogers CBE. Mr Page was also the unanimous choice of a staff panel, a representative group of SQA colleagues which interviewed shortlisted candidates. Ms Rogers said: “We set the bar high to find a dynamic leader with the depth of experience, values and commitment to public service and partnership that our organisation – and Scotland – needs. “I am absolutely delighted that Nick has chosen to join us. His career spans many achievements and a proven ability to lead through both change and challenge. “I am confident that, drawing on these experiences and a commitment to learning from them, Nick will drive the positive transformation that ensures Qualifications Scotland delivers for every learner, every educator, and every community. “I also wish to thank John Booth for stepping up as interim Chief Executive and for the positive contribution he has made while leading our organisation.” Mr Page said: “I am honoured to have the opportunity to serve as Chief Executive of SQA and to lead Scotland’s new national awarding body when Qualifications Scotland opens its doors in December. “The passage of the Education (Scotland) Bill challenges us all to make reform a success – and we will deliver. “SQA is already transforming at pace to build strong foundations for Qualifications Scotland, harnessing the deep knowledge, skills and commitment of our people. We will accelerate that work to deliver a future that improves outcomes and supports learning and teaching. “As a former teacher from a family of teachers, I am keenly aware of the challenges faced in classrooms, colleges and across the education community, especially since the pandemic. “Our new Schools Unit will ensure that the way we develop and deliver our products and services reflects this new reality, while safeguarding the credibility and value of qualifications. “We will also work across the education and skills community to ensure that assessment and awarding align with wider pathways for success. “By building new partnerships with industry and employers, we will strengthen the relevance and range of our skills-based and vocational qualifications to unlock opportunities for learners. That will help support Scotland with the skills our country needs to succeed in a rapidly changing world. “I look forward to bringing my experience – and the lessons I have learned – to my new role. I want to begin by thanking my new colleagues, who have demonstrated great professionalism and successfully delivered over these past years of challenge and uncertainty. “We now look forward to working with and for the education and skills community, in partnership with employers, industry, government, trade unions and other stakeholders, to support Scotland’s future success.” 114227 447 27-JUN-2025 Fri, 27 Jun 2025 11:29:02 +0100 UPDATED SQA congratulates former Director Dr Gill Stewart on OBE Honour SQA's offers its warmest congratulations to our former Director of Qualifications Development, Dr. Gill Stewart, who has been named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the King's Birthday Honours list.. GillStewart_200x135.jpg SQA congratulates former Director Dr. Gill Stewart on OBE Honour 17 June 2025 None Tuesday 17 June 2025 SQA offers its warmest congratulations to our former Director of Qualifications Development, Dr. Gill Stewart, who has been named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the King's Birthday Honours list. The honour is in recognition of Dr. Stewart’s outstanding and sustained contribution to education in Scotland. During her distinguished career at SQA, Gill’s leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to learners left a lasting and positive impact. As Director of Qualifications Development, Gill was instrumental in shaping and developing Scotland's qualifications landscape, championing the principles of quality and fairness to support the success of countless individuals and centres across the country. Gill, who retired last September after 35 years of service with SQA and our predecessor, SCOTVEC, said: "I am delighted to have been awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours list for services to education. This was totally unexpected, but I am so proud and honoured. I have been privileged to work in Scottish education for over 30 years with so many dedicated and professional colleagues both internally and externally. I have always tried to focus on the learners, but also the practicalities of delivery for centres and SQA. I know the future of Scottish education is in good hands." John Booth, Interim Chief Executive at SQA, said: "We are all incredibly proud to see Gill’s immense contribution to Scottish education recognised in this way. She was a passionate and dedicated leader whose work has benefited so many. This honour is thoroughly deserved. On behalf of everyone at SQA, I send her our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for her continued happy retirement." 114111 447 17-JUN-2025 Tue, 17 Jun 2025 15:02:29 +0100 UPDATED
