Learning providers

A programme which has been endorsed by Education Scotland demonstrates that it is informed by the national model of professional learning and links effectively to the relevant professional standards and current policy context.

* Due to Covid-19 all face-to-face panels and support sessions have been put on hold for the time being. Contact us to find out about interim arrangements.

Endorsement provides those who commission programmes, as well as those engaging in professional learning, assurance that programmes offer relevant, significant and sustained quality learning. Such experiences develop depth of professional learning, knowledge, skills and understanding which ultimately impacts on the quality of learning.

Endorsed programmes have successfully passed through a robust set of criteria. This resource will increasingly become the focus for schools, local authorities and regional improvement collaboratives when planning and preparing their professional learning and development opportunities.

Endorsement normally lasts for a period of five years, comes at no cost to the learning provider, and is open for application throughout the year. Applications from a range of learning providers are welcomed.

There are four endorsement pathways as follows:

• Standard Pathway – for programmes that are new to endorsement
• GTCS Professional Recognition Pathway – for programmes that have been awarded professional recognition within the last 3 years
• Education Scotland Funded Programme Pathway – for eligible programmes that are funded by Education Scotland
• Re-endorsement Pathway – for programmes that are approaching the end of Education Scotland endorsement

There is a common application form for all pathways. Learning providers are required to indicate within their application which pathway they are choosing.

Endorsement offers an integrated support package to promote the programme which includes:

• the endorsed programme quality mark
• promotion of the programme through our communication channels
• inclusion within our online resource.

There are three stages to the endorsement process.

Stage 1 - Learning Providers complete the application form and email it to edspll@educationscotland.gov.scot (refer to the Application Guidance for Learning Providers).

Stage 2 - The application will be reviewed by our Lead Specialists as part of the quality assurance process.

Stage 3 – Learning providers invited to attend an Endorsement Panel and present their programme (note that programmes with GTCS Professional Recognition or those funded by Education Scotland may not be required to attend the Panel).

Once the application has passed Stage 2, learning providers will be invited to the next available panel. These dates have been set as follows:

• 26 April 2021
• 27 May 2021
• 25 June 2021
• 28 July 2021
• 27 August 2021
• 27 September 2021
• 27 October 2021
• 26 November 2021
• 13 December 2021

Learning providers may request support, advice and guidance on endorsement at any stage of the application process. A named Lead Specialist can support you.

They are able to help with:

• Consideration of Education Scotland and national policy
• to explore the national model of professional learning in relation to endorsement and your programme
• understand the principles governing the endorsement processes
• to build clarity on endorsement application and panel processes
• providing support workshops within regional improvement collaboratives

Get in touch with us if you want to speak to us about programme endorsement. 

Learning providers are invited to speak with one of our Lead Specialists by appointment. We are able to provide support through the process, as well as help with application writing and programme design. To check availability and arrange a free support session, email edspll@educationscotland.gov.scot.

Within Education Scotland, the Professional Learning and Leadership Directorate has the strategic responsibility of providing quality assurance processes for the range of professional learning and leadership development opportunities in Scotland.

Programmes will be sampled at least once within the five-year period. This periodic review may involve Education Scotland requesting evaluation data, other programme information from the provider or feedback meetings with or reports from the delivery team and \ or participants.