Councillors have approved a new Education Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 after hearing how Argyll and Bute's Education Service is continuing to deliver on key priorities to improve outcomes for children and young people.
The Community Services Committee considered the Education Service Progress and Impact Report 2025-2026, which outlines progress against the current strategic plan and sets out priorities for the next phase of improvement.
The report highlights the work being undertaken across Argyll and Bute to improve educational outcomes, reduce inequalities linked to socioeconomic disadvantage, and support the wellbeing, inclusion and achievement of children and young people. It also details the service's progress in delivering priorities aligned to the National Improvement Framework.
The newly approved Education Strategic Plan 2026-2029 builds on that progress and has been developed in response to national education priorities, inspection findings, independent reviews and the evolving education reform agenda in Scotland. The plan places a strong emphasis on high-quality learning and teaching, effective leadership at all levels, robust self-evaluation, the use of data to drive improvement, and closing the poverty-related attainment gap.
The strategy also reflects the council's commitment to ensuring every child and young person has access to high-quality education and opportunities to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to succeed in learning, life and work.
Policy Lead for Education, Councillor Kieron Green, said:
"It’s great to approve this ambitious new Education Strategic Plan that builds on the strong progress being made across our education service.
"The Progress and Impact Report demonstrates the commitment of our schools, early years settings and education staff to improving outcomes for children and young people. It highlights the significant work taking place across Argyll and Bute to reduce inequalities, support wellbeing and inclusion, raise attainment and ensure every learner can reach their full potential.
"As the education landscape continues to evolve nationally, we remain focused on delivering high-quality learning and teaching, strengthening leadership, making effective use of data and evidence to drive improvement, and narrowing the poverty-related attainment gap.
"Most importantly, this plan keeps children and young people at the heart of everything we do. It provides a clear roadmap for the next three years and will help ensure that every learner in Argyll and Bute benefits from the very best opportunities to achieve, succeed and thrive."
