Tag: Scottish Government

Edinburgh International Book Festival expands Global Ink programme with EXPO funding

The Edinburgh International Book Festival (EIBF) this week announced an expansion of its acclaimed Global Ink programme for 2026, made possible through EXPO funding from the Scottish Government. 

The announcement was made at this year’s Global Ink event, the Festival’s International Industry Day, with an introduction from Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, Angus Robertson.

The announcement comes as part of the Scottish Government’s investment in culture, with an increase of over £34m in 2025/26. The Festival EXPO Fund, established in 2007, is designed to support festival innovation and maximise national and international opportunities for the artists who contribute to them.

The expanded Global Ink programme, running from Monday 17 – Wednesday 19August 2026, and which brings together professionals from Scotland, the UK, and around the world, will now include a new landmark international conference in August 2026. 

The conference, which is supported by £100,000 of existing EXPO funding, will build on the success of the Book Festival’s existing programme. This initiative will position Global Ink as a vital convening platform, promoting new work and supporting writer development. The event will also platform export-ready Scottish writers, creating international and commercial opportunities and strengthening Scotland’s cultural presence on the global stage.

The new three-day conference will bring together up to 20 leading international Festival Directors and a vibrant online audience. Sessions will address key global challenges such as funding sustainability, programming in politicised environments, and cultural collaboration. The initiative responds to growing international demand for in-person collaboration and sector-wide leadership.

The Global Ink programme also includes panel discussions and networking opportunities. This year’s programme included panels such as “Books That Travel” in partnership with Publishing Scotland, and “Born Digital: Web Novels and the Global Reading Revolution”. 

These discussions provide a key platform for authors, publishers, translators, festival organisers, and cultural stakeholders interested in international collaboration.

Jenny Niven, Director of the Edinburgh International Book Festival, said:“In Global Ink 2026 we’re creating an expanded opportunity to showcase Scottish writing to the world. Our hope is that as a result many more Scottish writers will have the opportunity to share their work on international festival stages.

“We value enormously our relationships with Festivals around the world, from India to Argentina, allowing us to collaborate creatively, deepen our knowledge of international literature and to connect through culture at a time when international dialogue and exchange is so necessary. 

“We look forward to working with a range of partners to bring this exciting project to fruition.”

Angus Robertson, Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, said: “The Scottish Government’s EXPO fund has shaped and supported hundreds of commissions, enhanced the ambitions of thousands of Scottish artists and attracted audiences in the millions for EXPO-supported work since its establishment in 2007.

“The expansion of Global Ink 2026, as part of a £200,000 EXPO fund award for the Edinburgh International Book Festival, is a perfect example of its intent to support festival innovation and maximise national and international opportunities for the artists who contribute to them, and I look forward to welcoming attendees next year.”

The initiative continues the EIBF’s long-standing leadership in international festival networks, including founding the Word Alliance and its active membership in the Global Association of Literary Festivals (GoALF) and the British Arts Festivals Association (BAFA).

£110,000 boost powers grassroots climate action in Edinburgh

A funding boost of £110,000 has been awarded to Edinburgh Communities Climate Action Network (ECCAN) to support its continued work as a Climate Action Hub – helping communities across the capital tackle climate change and build local resilience.

Mark Dowey, Network Lead, ECCAN, said “Community climate action depends on accessible funding. In Edinburgh,  ECCAN member groups undertake substantive and transformative work in their communities – improving their lives and places through a front-foot, can-do attitude in the face of the climate emergency. As Edinburgh’s Climate Hub, we are delighted to support them to deliver this meaningful change with our Greenlight seedgrant funding. 

“Thank you to Foundation Scotland who have now almost doubled the amount available via Greenlight in 2025-26. This increase in funding will make a real difference across the city – delivering worthwhile climate action projects by the community, for the community.

“Please join ECCAN and apply to Greenlight to fund your community climate project”

The award is part of a wider £500,000 investment by Foundation Scotland to five Community Climate Action Hubs across central Scotland, including those in Glasgow, Forth Valley, Dundee and East Dunbartonshire.

Scotland’s 24 Climate Action Hubs, supported by the Scottish Government, aim to empower local communities to lead climate action at a local level – providing tailored support, funding opportunities and access to expertise.

Through growing climate literacy, social confidence and practical life skills such as cooking, repairing, growing and sharing, they help build more capable and sustainable communities.

The Scottish Government has already allocated £5.5 million across 2024-2025 to support this network of regional community climate action hubs. Foundation Scotland’s funding will help hubs like ECCAN further enable a shift from short-term project cycles to building longer-term resilience in central Scotland.

It will support hubs to distribute more grants to grassroots groups, so that communities gain the tools, knowledge, and financial support needed to drive meaningful climate action from the ground up. 

Awards made:

  • Edinburgh: £110,000 to Edinburgh Communities Climate Action Network (ECCAN) 
  • Glasgow: £110,000 to the Glasgow Climate Action Hub partnership
  • Forth Valley: £80,000 to FEL Scotland
  • East Dunbartonshire: £50,000 to Twechar Community Action, for an outreach officer employed until March 2027
  • Dundee: £55,000 to Dundee Changemakers Hub

Foundation Scotland is also providing £95,000 to support the development of a multi-hub climate adaptation initiative to work in more traditionally disadvantaged communities. 

FEL Scotland will act as a lead partner, coordinating spend and learning and sharing this across the national network. This includes working with other Climate Hubs to support the development of a climate adaptation initiative to work in more traditionally disadvantaged communities. £95,000 has been allocated for this work.

Rachel Searle, Head of Communities and Impact at Foundation Scotland said: “We know that in face of the continuing climate emergency we all need to take action to increase resilience and adapt to the impacts of climate change. That’s why Growing Climate Action and Sustainable Natural Environments is one of Foundation Scotland’s impact themes.

“Providing this funding to five of central Scotland’s climate hubs will enhance their ability to respond to increasing demand and interest from communities to take action to tackle climate change locally. We’re looking forward to hearing how this funding helps with that.”  

Clara Walker, Executive Director at FEL Scotland said: “We are grateful to Foundation Scotland for this investment, which complements existing Scottish Government funding and supports a crucial step forward for a number of Climate Action Hubs in central Scotland.

“Importantly, this funding enables us to explore and share learning across the wider network of 24 hubs, helping us understand how community funding can be scaled to create the most positive impact – particularly for the communities that need it most.”

Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin said: “Established by the Scottish Government, Scotland’s Climate Hubs play an influential role in their local communities, and provide valuable support and inspiration for people looking to take climate action.

“This funding from Foundation Scotland will support grassroot activity through five of our hubs – making a huge difference to people who want to make a positive change in their communities.

“It is a fantastic endorsement of the work carried out by Climate Hubs across the country and their ability to support and drive local change.”

350,000 Baby Boxes delivered

EIGHT YEARS OFUNIVERSAL SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES

Over 350,000 Baby Boxes packed with essential items for newborns have been delivered across Scotland, saving expectant parents around £400 and giving children the best start in life.

The Scottish Government’s universal Baby Box programme, the only one of its kind in the UK, is offered to all parents of newborn babies. Backed by almost £8 million funding in 2025-26, the Baby Box helps to ensure that every family has access to items needed in the first six months of a child’s life, as well as a safe space to sleep.

Marking the eight-year anniversary of the programme, First Minister John Swinney will meet expectant mother Mairi Morrison and her partner George Waddington at Western Isles Hospital in Lewis to deliver their Baby Box.

The First Minister said: “Scotland’s Baby Box strongly signals our determination that every child, regardless of their circumstances, should get the best start in life. The programme is supporting families right across the length and bread of Scotland, including here in the Western Isles where 1,281 boxes have been delivered to date.

“It is clear that this universal offer, a UK first, has been hugely successful with 89% of all parents with newborn babies registering for a box – benefiting around 41,000 families annually.

“My number one priority as First Minister is to end child poverty in Scotland – and I am very proud of the impact that the baby box is making to support families across the country.”

The Scottish Government’s universal Baby Box programme opened for registration on 15 June 2017 with Boxes being delivered in August 2017.   

The Baby Box includes items which support breastfeeding, such as breast pads and a leaflet with top tips on breastfeeding and how to access support.  Among other items the Baby Box contains 2 baby books, a carrier sling, underarm thermometer, bath & room thermometer, play mat, around 15 items of clothes for age 0 – 6 months, a changing mat, a redeemable voucher for a reusable nappy and liners and many other useful items for mother and baby.

The 2025-26 Programme for Government includes a commitment to enhance the contents of the Baby Box by March 2026, building on feedback from parents and frontline practitioners working with families, which will strengthen support for early child development and to mitigate the impact of poverty on babies. 

Action to restore seabird populations

Scottish Seabird Conservation Action Plan published

Pic Greg Macvean 27/06/2024 Isle of May

Measures such as eradicating non-native invasive predators on seabird islands and restoring seagrass meadows and kelp forests to help increase food supplies are just some of the actions set out today to protect Scotland’s seabirds.

Scotland’s coastline and waters are of global importance to seabirds but almost two thirds of Scotland’s species have declined over the last 20 years.

The Scottish Seabird Conservation Action Plan sets out a range of steps to stop the decline, improve resilience to environmental factors and protect these iconic animals. Including:

  • enhancing food availability by improving conditions for prey and minimising bycatch and tackling marine litter
  • providing safe nesting areas by eradicating non-native invasive predators such as brown rats and American mink
  • undertaking key research and monitoring of Scottish seabirds to understand how to build resilience and reduce mortality rates
  • working in partnership with local and international communities, marine and coastal sectors, and environmental organisations to tackle issues on a global scale

The action plan was developed in partnership with NatureScot, Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and British Trust for Ornithology. 

Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action Gillian Martin said: “The climate crisis, invasive non-native species, marine litter and access to food are contributing to declining seabird numbers around the world.

“Publishing the Scottish Seabird Conservation Action Plan today marks a vital step forward in protecting some of our most iconic and vulnerable marine species and sets out actions to collectively tackle pressures affecting seabirds.  

“I’m confident that with concerted effort and shared responsibility, we can stop the declines we are seeing in our seabird populations and increase their resilience to a changing climate to secure their future.   

Pic Greg Macvean 07/07/2021 – Bass Rock landing

“As top predators, seabirds are indicators of the health of marine ecosystems, playing a crucial role in maintaining balance within marine food webs. Seabirds also have a significant role in the economy supporting a thriving tourism industry that is vital to local economies, particularly in rural and island communities. 

“Only by working together can we ensure that Scotland remains a global stronghold for seabirds for the benefit of us all, now and in the future.” 

NatureScot Chair Colin Galbraith said: “Scotland is a crucial area for internationally important populations of seabirds to breed and forage. The latest research shows many seabird populations are in decline.

“This new Action Plan will help these vulnerable seabird populations recover and will help the overall wellbeing of the marine environment on which they depend. Having healthy seas is important, and can safeguard livelihoods and food, whilst tackling the urgent issues of nature loss and the climate impacts.”

Scottish Seabird Centre CEO Harry Huyton said: “From the great gannet colonies on St Kilda and Bass Rock, to the puffin burrows that crowd the grassy slopes of Unst and the Isle of May, Scotland is blessed with extraordinary seabird populations.

“Many are of international importance, yet most seabird species in Scotland are in decline, and urgent, transformative action is needed to save them.

“The ambition and actions set out in the new Seabird Action Plan are exactly what’s needed, but it’s critical that they are now delivered with urgency and fully embedded across Government.”

Scottish seabird conservation action plan – gov.scot

PICTURES: Greg Macvean

Funding confirmed for community climate action in Scotland

Climate engagement programmes to protect our planet

Young people and people with sensory loss are among groups who will be supported by funding for projects aimed at increasing understanding of how climate change is relevant to them and how they can take action.

A total of £273,000 of Climate Engagement funding will be shared among eight organisations in 2025-26 to support activities including climate literacy classes, community workshops and participatory arts sessions.

Since it launched in 2023, more than 15,000 people in Scotland have engaged with the Scottish Government’s world-leading Climate Engagement Fund, with awards totalling more than £1 million to date.

The latest round of funding will support activities including:

  • A roadshow aimed at young people across Scotland demonstrating how sustainable construction can play a role in tackling climate change
  • A community arts programme using the voices of young people to mitigate climate anxiety by showing how others have converted their concerns into action
  • Actions to support people who are blind, partially sighted, deaf or hard of hearing to explore sustainability through their local communities.
  • Climate literacy classes and green skills training to support people experiencing barriers to employment.

Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin said: “To reduce emissions and protect our planet from the threat of climate change and nature loss, it is essential that people understand how they can engage with vital projects within their communities and take their own climate action.

“Scotland is now halfway to our 2045 climate change target. By supporting networks of people coming together to identify local action, the Climate Engagement Fund will help enable individuals and communities to directly contribute to a more sustainable and climate resilient Scotland.

“The projects being supported in this round of funding include a community arts programme using the voices of young people, and green skills training to support people into employment.

“These are vital projects which will build understanding of climate change, enable participation in policy development, and encourage climate action.”

Forth Valley Sensory Centre College Operations Manager Sandy Gillone, said: “I am delighted that our project has been selected for funding as we know we were up against stiff competition.

“It is fantastic to be partnering with FEL Scotland again and we’re looking forward to engaging with the public to find out which points of interest they would like included on our SustainAble for All Trail Maps.

“We’re committed to delivering the maps in engaging and inclusive formats and we believe the consultation and design process itself will lead to increased awareness and understanding of climate change. We’re not just seeking to raise awareness of the problem, we want to empower people to be part of the solution.”

More information on the Climate Engagement Fund: www.gov.scot/publications/climate-engagement-fund/

Details of all the projects receiving funding:

Organisation, Grant amount and Brief project description

Arran Eco Savvy – £29,991.00

To deliver climate-focused events centred on storytelling, practical skills, and community participation tailored for different ages and interests.

Glenkens Community and Arts Trust – £33,100.00

To use local voices to mitigate eco-anxiety in young people aged 18-30 by showing how other people have converted their concerns into action.

Built Environment Smarter Transformation – £46,172.00

To deliver a roadshow programme for young people throughout Scotland demonstrating how sustainable, low-carbon construction can play a crucial role in combating climate change.

Changeworks – £40,250.00

To build understanding among mobile homeowners of the climate emergency, how it relates to their lives and how they can take action while improving their own home environment.

Forth Valley Sensory Centre – £33,000.00

Creating an accessible way for people who are blind, partially sighted, deaf, or hard of hearing, to explore sustainability through their local communities.

RIG Arts – £25,290.00

To improve climate literacy and increase climate positive behaviour change in SIMD communities via arts-based interventions.

Jhankar Beats – £30,000.00

To empower communities to reflect, respond, and act using the emotional and connective power of South Asian dance, music, and participatory arts.

Greener Kirkcaldy- £35,942.00

To provide climate literacy and green skills training tailored for employability organisations and the people with barriers to employment

Total – £273,745.00

Accelerating cladding remediation

£20 million additional funding for the next phase

A further £20 million will speed up actions to make Scotland’s buildings safe from dangerous cladding, Housing Secretary Màiri McAllan has announced.

Publishing an update to the Cladding Remediation Programme action plan, Ms McAllan confirmed additional funding and expanded eligibility, setting out that social housing will now be eligible for remediation funding.

The Single Open Call fund launched in March, allowing owners and residents to apply for a Scottish Government funded, holistic assessment to determine the work required to make buildings safe. This fund will now be doubled to £20 million in 2025/26 and a separate £10 million will be made available to prioritise immediate mitigations for buildings most at risk.

The fund has made 258 initial grant funding offers for building owners and residents to take forward a Single Building Assessment. The £10 million additional funding will ensure every eligible application received before the end of December this year will be progressed.

Ms McAllan said: “Scotland’s Cladding Remediation Programme is progressing at pace and the additional £20 million I’ve announced today will further expedite this vital work. Doubling the funding for holistic Single Building Assessments to £20 million will ensure owners and residents can rapidly and thoroughly assess works required.

“I am also confirming £10 million to fund immediate mitigation measures where needed and have today opened a new application process for owners, including social landlords, or their representatives, to apply for funding for essential cladding remediation works identified as part of the assessment process. Finally, I am setting a deadline of 31 October 2025 by which responsible developers must sign the Developers Remediation Contract.

“Ultimately I am determined that, by 2029, every high-risk residential building over 18 metres will have been resolved, with buildings between 11 and 18 metres placed on a clear pathway to resolution.

“My foremost priority is to ensure the safety of all those living in buildings affected by dangerous cladding.”

Scottish Federation of Housing Associations Chief Executive Sally Thomas said: “The safety of tenants is absolutely paramount to all of Scotland’s housing associations and co-operatives, and they take their responsibility for this extremely seriously. However, without a clear and fair route to government funding, the cost of any remediation works would have fallen on tenants, who are least able to afford it.

“We’re delighted to see that the Scottish Government recognises this and will treat all housing providers equally. The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations and our members will continue to work with our government partners to ensure unsafe cladding is removed as a matter of urgency.

“No-one should have to live with the uncertainty and fear of fire hazards.”

Community arts fund opens

£320,000 available to expand participation

A flagship community culture fund that supports people across Scotland to take part in the creative arts has opened for new applications.

Backed by £320,000 from the Scottish Government, the Creative Communities Scotland fund is open to organisations delivering activities such as dance, filmmaking, creative writing, music-making and storytelling.

At least ten new projects are expected to benefit with a focus on reaching those who face barriers to taking part in creative activities and grants of up to £35,000 available.

Funding will be managed by Inspiring Scotland which will also provide project support to successful organisations while they plan, deliver and assess the impact of those activities.

Previous examples of projects delivered through the fund include work by Promoting a More Inclusive Society (PAMIS), which used art, drama, music and photography to support children and young people in Aberfeldy and Angus with complex disabilities to come together and tell their stories.

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “Taking part in the creative arts can transform lives, improve wellbeing, strengthen relationships between people and create a distinct sense of place, belonging and confidence within communities.

“In this latest round of funding, our focus is on groups and charities helping people who face challenges to taking part and reaping those benefits. We are looking for applications from diverse groups all across Scotland with projects that engage communities in the creative process.

“The Creative Communities Scotland fund forms part of a £34 million increase in support to the culture sector this year and will enable communities to drive forward creative activities in their areas. This is about making sure that everyone has the opportunity to take part in and benefit from the creative arts, no matter their background or location.”

Creative Arts Director at PAMIS Maureen Phillip said: “Our project has enabled family carers to gain and enhance their skills, build their confidence and support their wellbeing by easing isolation and loneliness.

“It has also widened knowledge of the benefits of working with story to enhance learning for children with profound and multiple learning abilities.

“Both the Aberfeldy and Angus programmes clearly demonstrate the benefits of having a programme led by families as experts by experience. They know the children and young people they support and understand how much it means for them to feel part of their communities.”

Inspiring Scotland Chief Executive Celia Tennant said: ““We know the vital role that cultural activities play in bringing people together, improving wellbeing and strengthening communities.

“We are pleased to be managing the Scottish Government’s Creative Communities Scotland fund and we look forward to supporting organisations that are making a real difference in their local area through participatory arts.”

Investment in accessible community toilets

£10 million fund opens to support people with complex needs

Over 25,000 people in Scotland with complex needs and disabilities, and their families, could benefit from a £10 million Scottish Government investment in community toilet facilities.

The Changing Places Toilets Scotland Fund will support the provision of up to 150 specialist accessible toilets to meet the needs of disabled people who require carer support and equipment to use facilities.

There are currently 270 Changing Places Toilets in Scotland, an increase of 30% since 2019 when new legislation required these accessible spaces to be included in large new buildings with public access.

£10 million will be allocated across 2025-26 and 2026-27 and the Fund, administered by Inspiring Scotland, is now open for applications. Priority will be given to areas which do not currently have adequate provision of Changing Places Toilets.

Mental Wellbeing Minister Tom Arthur said: “Access to toilet facilities is a fundamental human right. Changing Places Toilets offer vital facilities for people with disabilities and their families and carers whose needs cannot be met through standard accessible toilet provision.

“I am very pleased the Fund has now launched. This £10 million investment in Changing Places Toilets will make a huge difference to thousands of disabled people and their families and carers, enabling them to participate fully in society and access community resources.”

Jill Clark, a Glasgow-based Changing Places Toilets user, said: “By having lots of Changing Places Toilets, I have more freedom to go places without worrying if I get to the toilet.”

PAMIS (Promoting a more inclusive society) CEO Jenny Miller said: “This investment and opportunity to dramatically increase the number of Changing Places Toilets across Scotland will make an enormous difference to the lives of some of the most excluded people within our society.

“Filling the gaps in the provision of this essential facility will open up the whole of Scotland and ensure everyone has the same opportunity to travel, access public spaces and engage in their communities.

“We are proud to be working alongside both the Scottish Government and Inspiring Scotland on this important project over the coming months, helping to ensure that new Changing Places Toilets are thoughtfully planned, well supported, and sustainably delivered across the country.”

Changing Places Toilets (CPT) are larger accessible toilets, with specialist equipment. They are designed to meet the needs of disabled people who need carer support and equipment to use the facilities. CPTs ensure people have their personal care needs met, fulfilling this basic human right for them.

CPTs offer a vital facility for disabled people and their families and carers whose needs cannot be met through standard accessible toilet provision. 

This includes people with profound learning and multiple disabilities, people with muscular dystrophy, older people, veterans, people who require the use of a larger wheelchair and people who require a calm and quiet environment.

CPTs have key features which distinguish them from standard accessible toilets as they:

  • offer adequate space (at least 12m2) for a disabled person, as well as space for their wheelchair to turn, and one or two carers.
  • have an adult-sized, height-adjustable changing bench to allow people to lie down to have their personal care needs met.
  • have a ceiling hoist to lift people out of their wheelchair safely
  • have a centrally placed peninsular toilet which provides access for people who require support on both sides.

Recovering from Storm Floris

PROGRESS MADE TO RESTORE POWER

Justice Secretary Angela Constance has thanked responders for their efforts to support communities affected by Storm Floris.

The significant and unseasonal storm had an impact particularly on power and transport infrastructure across the country, resulting in a major mobilisation of utility companies, national agencies and local authorities in response.

While transport infrastructure is getting back to near normal, hundreds of engineers have continued working hard through today to restore power to homes and businesses with the worst affected areas being Inverness, Dornoch and the Moray coast.

As at 6pm last night, Of the 71,000 properties which lost power 98% had now been re-connected. Due to the wide geographic spread of the storm and complex repairs, the majority of the remaining 1,600 properties still without electricity are expected to be connected later last night, with the remainder completed today (Thursday).

Electricity network operator SSEN continues to provide support to those affected, particularly those who are vulnerable, including with welfare vans and other welfare arrangements.

Ms Constance said: “I want to thank everyone in the public, private and third sector for the role they played in responding to Storm Floris. It was a significant and unseasonal storm with the worst affected areas covering a wide geographical spread.

“Engineers have worked tirelessly over the past two days to return power to the remaining affected properties as soon as possible.

“Energy companies continue to provide support to customers, including ensuring provisions are in place for the most vulnerable.”

SNP ‘closing the attainment gap across Edinburgh’

PENTLANDS MSP CONGRATULATES STUDENTS RECEIVING EXAM RESULTS

SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald has congratulated pupils across Edinburgh as they received their exam results.

This year’s results show a strong rise in attainment across Scotland’s schools and colleges, including for young people in the city.

More than 147,000 learners across the country received their results, with rates increasing at National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher levels compared to 2024 and pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

The results also confirm that the poverty related attainment gap continues to narrow across all levels, demonstrating the SNP Government’s commitment to ensuring every young person can succeed, no matter their background.

Notably, a record 110,380 young people achieved vocational and technical awards in subjects such as construction, business, and hospitality, up over 22% on last year.

The SNP Government has committed to continuing its work to close the attainment gap and invest in a world-class education system that supports all learners, no matter their path.

Commenting, Gordon Macdonald MSP said: “Yesterday’s results are a huge achievement for the young people of Edinburgh and across Scotland, and a testament to the hard work of students, teachers, parents, and carers. Congratulations.

“I’m particularly encouraged to see the attainment gap continuing to close. It’s clear that SNP investment in education, from early years through to school and beyond, is delivering for our communities.

“The growth in vocational qualifications is especially welcome. It shows that our young people are gaining real skills for work and life, supported by a modern, inclusive curriculum that offers pathways for everyone, not just the traditional academic route.

“There’s more to do, but this year’s results prove that the SNP is making progress where it matters – in classrooms, colleges, and communities. I couldn’t be prouder of what our learners are achieving across the city.”