Select subject Select subject SQA publishes new guidance on use of GenAI in qualifications assessment SQA has published guidance on acceptable use of GenAI tools in assessments for the 2025-26 session. 120625_SQA_GenAI2526_Thumbnail_200x135.jpg SQA publishes new guidance on use of Artificial Intelligence in qualifications assessment 12 June 2025 None Thursday 12 June 2025 GenAI tools may be used where they do not undermine a learner’s ability to demonstrate the knowledge, understanding, and skills required for assessment. The new guidance comes after extensive engagement with hundreds of teachers, lecturers and training providers – and with learners from across Scotland. SQA has provided a list of potential examples to show acceptable and unacceptable use of GenAI. SQA has published guidance on acceptable use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools in assessments for the 2025-26 session. The new guidance comes after extensive consultation and engagement with teachers, lecturers and training providers, including events, surveys, and focus groups. This engagement highlighted that GenAI use across the education system is continuing to grow, necessitating an updated stance from SQA to reflect the evolving technological landscape. Donna Stewart, Director of Qualifications Development at SQA and Scotland’s Chief Examiner, explains: “We recognise that educators across Scotland are facing challenges regarding GenAI use among learners. Our guidance – developed with and for the education community – aims to help them address these challenges. The new guidance provides further clarity under existing guidelines and does not intend to add any new responsibilities for educators.” “SQA is not endorsing or mandating the use of GenAI, and it is crucial for both learners and educators to recognise that GenAI tools have limitations and may not always produce reliable outputs, however given the accessibility and speed at which the technology is developing, it is important we provide a framework and guidance.” New guidance The use of GenAI tools is considered acceptable in assessment when it does not undermine learners’ ability to demonstrate that they have the required knowledge, understanding, and skills to meet the assessment standards of the qualification. It is also acceptable to use when the course or unit specifications explicitly allow such use. To assist educators as they navigate the use of GenAI, a list of potential examples has been put together to show acceptable and unacceptable uses of GenAI tools in assessment. Such examples include using GenAI tools to suggest source material to research a piece of writing for portfolio coursework in Higher English or using GenAI tools to generate the lyrics for a composition in Music assessments, as no marks are awarded for lyrics. Given the rapid pace of technological change, it is impossible to create an exhaustive list of acceptable and unacceptable uses, and the appropriateness of GenAI use will depend on specific assessment context. As has always been the case with SQA’s GenAI position, learners should discuss the use of AI tools with their teachers, lecturers and training providers to ensure its use will not undermine the achievement of their learning and assessment objectives. When the use of GenAI is permitted as a supporting tool, it must always be acknowledged, and submitting GenAI outputs as a learner’s own work may be considered malpractice. Feedback and support The new guidance is being published before the summer break, however once the new school term begins, online Q&A sessions will also be arranged, giving educators the opportunity to ask questions and feedback their views. The updated guidance will be subject to regular review and will be updated to reflect changes in GenAI technology as and when necessary, however this current stance will be in place for at least the 2025-26 academic year. Theodore Pengelley, Digital Learning Development Manager and chair of SQA’s Artificial Intelligence and Emergent Technology Group, explains: “We recognise that the development of AI technology is rapid, and we will closely monitor the expansion of GenAI technology on an ongoing basis. “This updated guidance has been informed by engagement and consultation with teachers, lecturers and practitioners, and we will continue to gather feedback from them. We are currently looking to develop channels that will allow education practitioners to submit their feedback on the new guidance, ensuring their voices are used to shape future changes.” Professor Judy Robertson, Chair in Digital Learning at the University of Edinburgh, has worked in partnership with SQA on multiple projects that aim to increase GenAI knowledge and understanding among teachers and education practitioners across Scotland. These include a handbook developed by the Data Education in Schools team at the University of Edinburgh, with support from the Scottish Government, Education Scotland, and SQA. She comments: "I'm encouraged to see that SQA's updated guidance provides clearer direction for teachers and learners on the acceptable use of GenAI tools. I'm especially pleased that it recognises the role of GenAI as assistive technology for learners who need additional support - this has real potential to level the playing field. It's also reassuring to see this guidance aligning with the vision set out in the new Teach AI Literacy Handbook, reflecting a consistent approach across the education sector." Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “The role of digital and AI is becoming increasingly prominent in our work across education. While AI will never replace teaching staff, it continues to play a bigger role in our lives, which is why it is so important that young people learn how to utilise AI in a safe, ethical and effective manner. “The guidance from SQA provides helpful clarity on acceptable and unacceptable uses in relation to qualifications. The Scottish Government has committed to working with teacher representatives and local authorities to develop overarching guidance and principles for teachers on the use of AI in classrooms, to support them in navigating the opportunities and risks posed by this technology.” The full updated guidance, along with a list of examples, can be found on our Generative AI in assessments page. 114047 447 12-JUN-2025 Thu, 12 Jun 2025 15:40:06 +0000 UPDATED SQA exams begin for 132,000 learners across Scotland SQA exams begin this week for tens of thousands of learners across Scotland, who will sit assessments for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses. StColumbas_thumbnail.png SQA exams begin for 132,000 learners across Scotland 24 April 2025 SQA updates & announcements Thursday 24 April 2025 SQA exams begin this week for tens of thousands of learners across Scotland, who will sit assessments for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses. The exam period starts on Friday 25 April with questions papers for Computing Science and Psychology. It concludes on Friday 30 May with exams for Care. Key facts More than 132,000 learners will sit exams in schools and colleges across Scotland Learners from Selkirk to Shetland will sit exams between 25 April to 30 May More than two million exam papers will be distributed to over 480 centres across Scotland Results Day is Tuesday 5 August – by text, email, MySQA or post Candidates will sit exams in subjects ranging from Biology and Mathematics to Music and Accounting. For learners taking subjects such as Music, Drama, Practical Cookery, and PE, the performance and practical elements of the assessments have been taking place throughout the academic year. In addition, many learners will be in the final stages of completing National 1 to National 4 qualifications, SQA Awards, Skills for Work courses, National Progression Awards and National Certificates that are continually assessed throughout the year. These form part of a broad offering of qualifications, which support learners to progress into employment, training, further and higher education. In total, more than 147,000 candidates are expected to get their results on Tuesday 5 August. Donna Stewart, Scotland’s Chief Examining Officer and Director of Qualifications Development at SQA, said: “I would like to wish the best of luck to everyone throughout Scotland who is about to sit exams and complete assessments in the coming weeks. As you move towards the next step in your education, training, or employment, this is your opportunity to show what you’ve learned after months of hard work.” John Booth, SQA Interim Chief Executive, added: “I want to thank teachers and lecturers across the country for their dedication in supporting learners to get to this important milestone. I’m also grateful to the many thousands of them who work with us to set and mark exams and assessments. The teaching profession is at the heart of delivering our qualifications and will have an even stronger role in the work of Qualifications Scotland.” Help and support SQA offers a range of support services to help learners during the exam period: An exceptional circumstances service for learners who can’t sit an exam or are affected by personal situations A free, direct appeals service - available after Results Day for any learner who wants a review of their marked exam Learner resources including the ‘Your Exams’ guide, revision materials, past papers, and the MyStudyPlan app All learners will receive results by post on Tuesday 5 August. They can also sign up for a MySQA account to receive results by text and/or email. Registration is open at www.mysqa.org.uk and must be completed by 5pm on Wednesday 16 July using their Scottish Candidate Number. Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “I would like to wish all pupils and students the best of luck with their exams this year. I know how hard they will have been working towards their qualifications during the year to get to this point today. “This is also a big moment for all the parents, carers, teachers, lecturers and support staff who have done so much to help our young people prepare and I would like to thank them all for their ongoing support and encouragement throughout this period.” 113527 447 24-APR-2025 Thu, 24 Apr 2025 11:43:13 +0000 UPDATED
