Pass rate falls as Scottish pupils get exam results

The pass rate for exams in Scotland has fallen - but remains higher than before the Covid pandemic.

More than 144,000 young people across Scotland are receiving their grades for National 4s and 5s, Highers and Advanced Highers.

The proportion of pupils awarded an A, B or C at Higher has fallen from 78.9% in 2022 and 89.3% in 2020 to 77.1% this year. The pass rate was 74.8% in 2019.

It was a similar picture for National 4s and 5s and for Advanced Highers.

The pass rate for National 5 qualifications was 78.8%, which was down from 80.8% in 2022 and 85.8% in 2021 but up from 78.2% in 2019.

At Advanced Higher level, 79.8% passed. That was down from 81.3% in 2022 and 93.1% in 2020. The pass rate was 79.4% in 2019.

The Scottish Conservatives said the attainment gap between pupils from the most and least deprived parts of the country had increased.

It said the figure for National 5 passes now stood at 15.6% - the widest gap since 2019 - and that the gap for Higher passes had widened for the third year in a row.

Scottish Conservatives MSP Liam Kerr said this should be "a source of shame" for ministers.

"Pupils from the most disadvantaged backgrounds have been let down year after year by the SNP," he said.

Scottish Labour education spokesperson Pam Duncan-Glancy also accused the Scottish government of failing to close the attainment gap.

"The young people of Scotland deserve better than SNP failure," she added.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said the gap in attainment levels between the least and most deprived areas was still narrower than it was in 2019.

She added that there was "much to celebrate" in a "strong" set of results, with a record number of passes at National 5 and the highest number of vocational and technical qualifications ever awarded.

SQA chief executive Fiona Robertson said this year was still not a return to normal for learners and educators.

"But it marks another significant and positive step on the path back to normal awarding following the years of disruption to learning and teaching caused by the pandemic.

"Our sensitive approach to awarding this year was developed with and supported by the education community. It has given learners the best chance of performing to the best of their abilities."

All examinees will be able to access support, including a dedicated helpline, over the coming days.

The results cover Nationals, Highers and Advanced Highers, as well as the more vocational National Progression Awards, Skills for Work Awards, and National Certificates.

The results have been sent out by first class post but many students will have opted to receive their grades by electronic means.

Those who have signed up for the Scottish Qualifications Authority's MySQA service, external will receive their results by text or email.

Schools will have all the results, as will any colleges or universities students have applied to via Ucas.

If for some reason students do not receive their results, they are advised to contact their school.

Every year thousands of students appeal their grades and there is a long-established system in place for dealing with this.

Before any student sits an exam their school, college or training centre submits estimated grades for every candidate to the SQA.

Students concerned with their grades can submit an appeal. Appeals will be subject to a marking review - a check that marks have been added up and submitted correctly and a check that the marking meets the national standard.

An appeal can be prioritised if you have a conditional place at university or college, or are in training or employment that depends on your grade.

The deadline for priority appeals is Tuesday 15 August, or Tuesday 29 August for other appeals.

The SQA's Candidate Advice line will open at 08:00 on results day and will stay open until 18:00.

From Wednesday 9 August to Friday 11 August it will be open from 08:30 to 17:00. The line can be reached on 0345 279 1000.

If you narrowly missed out on the grades you needed to study a particular subject at university or college, the relevant admissions office may have some flexibility, or might suggest a different course.

You can also apply to Ucas' clearing process, which is used by universities and colleges to fill empty places.

Skills Development Scotland (SDS), the agency which supports training and skills for work, will also operate an advice line from 8 to 11 August.

If you need help and advice about the next steps in your career or education or if you didn't get the results you hoped for you can phone the SDS results helpline number on 0808 100 8000.

Getting your results can be a stressful and difficult process and it is important to look after your mental health.

There is lots of information online about how to relax and support one another, as well as organisations you can talk to:

What would you like to ask about this year's exam results? You can email us at [email protected], external.

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