SQA research

Our Policy, Analysis and Standards team is responsible for commissioning, carrying out and collating research to inform and support all aspects of SQA’s activities.

Recent research

Evaluations, reports and research which informs and supports our work.

2024 Awarding

Learners and educators research on National 4, National 5, Higher and Advanced Highers in 2024.

Evaluation of access to Marked Exam Papers

Learners, practitioners and stakeholder views of the trial. Published March 2025.

Rebalancing assessment

Review of removal of question paper from practical subjects. Published March 2025.

GenAI Research

Analysis of the Generative AI Consultation Survey published March 2025.

NextGen: HN Evaluation Research

Research reports on NextGen: HN design principles. Published May 2024.

Assessment arrangements research

Our findings from our assessment arrangements research. Published November 2024.

Have your say

We're looking for learners, parents and carers, and educators to take part in surveys and other research.

Education reform

Research reports contributing to the evidence base around education reform in Scotland

Exploring Perspectives on National Qualification Marker Recruitment, Retention and Experiences

Research to understand educator attitudes to marking and why SQA markers may withdraw from marking.

Key Audience Research 2024/25

This research helps us track what learners and educators in schools, colleges and training providers think of SQA

Code of Research Practice

The core principles for our research ensuring it is useful, reliable, ethical, equitable and sustainable.

Code of Research Practice