This evaluation aimed to explore the impacts of Attainment Scotland Funding (ASF), introduced to help close the poverty-related attainment gap between children and young people from the least and most disadvantaged communities across Scotland. Our research was designed to provide up-to-date insight on experiences and perspectives on the impact of ASF-supported activities in Scottish schools.
We started with an online school-based staff survey including headteachers, teachers and school support staff, which examined how ASF funding had been used and explored perceptions of the impact on literacy, numeracy and health and wellbeing among pupils. We then conducted qualitative case study research at 14 schools across the country to provide more detailed insight, exploring the impact of specific local contexts, and obtaining the views of wider stakeholder groups including partner organisations, parents/carers and children and young people.
Our evaluation reports on the survey and the case study research fed into the Scottish Government’s wider evaluation programme and has provided insight to stakeholders in Education Scotland, local authorities and schools to help them maximise the impact of ASF, and to explore what factors are helping to improve attainment and close the poverty-related attainment gap.Â
“Progressive were commissioned to undertake two key pieces of research to contribute to the overall evaluation of the Attainment Scotland Fund 2022-26. All products were delivered to time and met quality expectations, and clear and effective communications supported project delivery.”
Learning Analysis Team, Education Analytical Services, Scottish GovernmentÂ
