This paper complements the previous two, and focuses on the historical development of the inspectorate in Scotland, on key events in that history, and on the implications of post devolution politics for the models of inspection that we identify (Grek et al 2010). We discuss the growth of self-evaluation as a governing strategy, and explore the kinds of knowledge that it demands for assessment purposes (Ozga and Grek 2011) Methodology: the paper draws on the project methodology of text analysis and critical discourse analysis (official documents and grey literature, as well as relevant academic texts and interviews with key informants). Conclusions This work is in process and it is too early to draw firm conclusions, but we will reflect on the relationship between the growth of inspection as mentoring and modelling ‘good practice’ and the promotion of ‘learning government’ as a governing strategy in Scotland.