Nick Page will step down as chief executive of Qualifications Scotland in August 2027, the organisation has announced. According to BBC News, Page oversaw the transition from the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) to Qualifications Scotland in December 2025 and will remain in post until after results day next summer.
Page, who joined the organisation in July 2025, said he was departing with the body in a "strong place". Qualifications Scotland said his decision to remain until August 2027 will provide stability and allow an orderly handover. The recruitment process for his successor is expected to begin in early 2027.
During his tenure, Page delivered on priorities including "accelerating the pace of change and building stronger partnerships across the education and skills system". He stated:
Qualifications Scotland is now firmly established and enabling hundreds of thousands of learners to achieve their full potential. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in the role and in Scotland, and when I depart next August, I believe I will be leaving the organisation in a strong place to move forward and build further success.
Why was the SQA replaced?
The Scottish Qualifications Authority, established in 1997, was abolished following a 2021 Scottish Government-commissioned report by the OECD. The decision came after multiple controversies surrounding exams, marking and assessment practices. The Educational Institute of Scotland, Scotland's largest teaching union, stated that the SQA had "lost the trust of teachers".
Qualifications Scotland began operating as a new public body in late 2025 and became fully operational in February 2026. Shirley Rogers CBE, chairwoman of Qualifications Scotland, praised Page's contribution, saying:
Nick has made a real and positive difference at a crucial time for us, not least the replacement of SQA with Qualifications Scotland. He will leave our new organisation in a strong place.
What reforms are planned?
Qualifications Scotland is implementing a phased reform programme across Scotland's education system. The organisation is due to revise curriculum guidance in 2027, with further reform to National 4 and National 5 qualifications scheduled for 2031. Additional changes to Higher and Advanced Higher assessments are planned for 2032 under current arrangements.
The formal co-design phase for qualifications reform is due to start in early 2027, following evidence-gathering through December 2026. The Scottish Government's reform timeline indicates the evolved curriculum technical framework is expected to be formally adopted in stages from 2028, with changes to Fourth Level and above phased in from August 2029.
What happens next?
Qualifications Scotland will begin recruiting a new chief executive in early 2027, with the appointment process running alongside the organisation's expanded reform agenda. Page's extended tenure provides continuity during a critical period as the new body establishes itself and prepares for the next phase of curriculum and qualifications transformation across Scotland's schools.
