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Qualifications are changing: information for employers

EmployerWelcome to our website. Qualifications are changing as part of Curriculum for Excellence (CfE). Curriculum for Excellence is the new approach to learning in schools which will help to develop young people's skills for the twenty-first century. We are developing the new qualifications young people will study.

The new qualifications from National 2 to Higher have been developed and we are currently developing Advanced Higher. Throughout the development we are publishing draft documents to show our thinking and ask for feedback.

To view the documents and information for each subject, use the subject drop-down menu at the top of the page.

Guide to New National Qualifications for Employers

Our leaflet gives a detailed overview of what the changes mean for you.

 

 

Read the transcript for employers introduction (15 KB)

 

This table shows what the new qualifications are and what they replace.

SCQF Level New National Qualifications Replaces Current National Qualifications
1 and 2 National 1 and National 2 > Access 1 and Access 2
3 National 3 > Access 3
Standard Grade (Foundation level)
4 National 4 > Standard Grade (General level)
Intermediate 1
5 National 5 > Standard Grade (Credit level)
Intermediate 2
6 Higher (new) > Higher
7 Advanced Higher (new) > Advanced Higher

 

Why are qualifications changing?

Curriculum for Excellence represents a different approach to learning and will help young people develop skills, knowledge and abilities they can apply to life outside the classroom – including the workplace.

This fresh approach to learning requires new assessment methods and qualifications.

The new qualifications will help young people to reach their full potential as they progress from their broad, general education through to college, university, other learning and ultimately, employment.

Which qualifications are changing?

Young people who entered S1 in 2010/11 will study towards new National Qualifications.

When will young people leave with the new qualifications?

The first young people to leave school or college with the new National 1 to National 5 will do so in August 2014.

Many young people will continue to study at school or college beyond age 16 and some may go on to study for the new Higher and Advanced Higher. The earliest opportunity for them to enter the jobs market will be August 2015 and August 2016 respectively.

However as schools and local authorities may implement the delivery new qualifications in different ways, these timings may be subject to change.

Will the new qualifications be graded?

Individual subjects at National 1 to National 3 and National 4 levels will be judged pass or fail.

Subjects at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher will be graded A to D.

Where can I find further information?

For information on: