Attainment Scotland Fund Evaluation: Interim Report (Years 1 and 2)

This document describes an evaluation of the Attainment Scotland Fund (ASF), which is designed to enhance educational attainment and reduce inequalities in Scottish education, focusing on literacy, numeracy, and health and wellbeing. The ASF allocated around £52 million over two years to various educational authorities and schools. A mixed-methods approach, including surveys, qualitative research, and data analysis, was used to assess the fund's effectiveness. The evaluation found that the ASF acted as a catalyst for change, increasing awareness and commitment to tackling the educational impact of poverty, with primary schools showing more progress than secondary schools. Challenges such as bureaucracy and the need for better collaboration were identified. The ASF has led to improved data usage, skill development, and leadership opportunities, with positive changes in practice and culture at the local authority level. While some concerns about sustainability and the need for wider partnerships were noted, initial results are promising, with some areas reporting a narrowing attainment gap. The evaluation will continue to monitor the long-term impact of the ASF. **This summary was written by an AI model and therefore should not be considered a definitive summary of the report. If you are aware of inaccuracies, please email evaluation.registry@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.**

Description

• Lead department: The Scottish Government (The Scottish Government)
• Evaluation stage: A complete evaluation report
• Other departments: No other departments listed
• Evaluation types: Process evaluation
• Process methods: Qualitative observational studies; Surveys and polling
• Grant information: This intervention is not distributing funding via a grant
• Government Major Project information: This intervention is not a major project
• Policies: No policies provided

Event Dates

• Event Name: Publication of final results
• Event date: March 2018

Evaluation Costs

• Cost: Not provided

Evaluation sharing

• Link(s) to published report(s): Yes
• Links to evaluation plans: No link provided
• Findings: Not provided
• Permission to share confirmed: Yes