SQA's evaluation of the 2024 approach to assessment of National Courses

Thousands of learners and educators across Scotland have taken part in our evaluation of how National 4, National 5, Higher and Advanced Highers were awarded in 2024.

Key findings from the research have been shared with the wider education community to inform their decision making. The research will add to the other sources of insight into how the 2023-24 session performed, such as national attainment data, published in August 2024.

The research findings, together with our engagement with the education community, will inform our work on qualification reform, as part of the Scottish Government’s education reform programme.

2024 evaluation reports

Educator experiences

This research captures perceptions of educators, who prepared learners for National Courses in 2023–24, on a range of topics. These included National 4, National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher, assessment, awarding and standards and the impact of the legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic on learning.

NQ 2024 research educator experiences (3.41 MB)

Learner experiences

This research captures the perceptions of learners who took National Courses in 2023–24. It includes their views on topics such as assessment, awarding and results and the impact of the legacy of the pandemic on learning and teaching.

NQ 2024 research learner experiences (4.00 MB)

Senior appointee and Qualifications Development colleague experiences

This research captures the perceptions of colleagues in SQA's Qualifications Development Directorate and the senior appointees who supported National Courses in 2023–24. It includes their views on topics such as assessment and awarding and the legacy of COVID-19’s impact on learning and teaching standards.

NQ 2024 research SAQD colleagues experiences (4.15 MB)

Comparison of respondent experiences

This report compares the lived experience of learners, educators, SQA Senior Appointees and Qualifications Development staff across areas of particular interest that emerged from this year's research.

NQ 2024 research respondent experiences (911 KB)

Research Methodology

Provides an overview of the design, sampling and recruitment approach, data collection and analysis, limitations and ethical framework of the research.

NQ 2024 research methodology (253 KB)

Technical Appendix

Sets out, in detail, aspects of the methodology and approach to analysis for the work with learners, educators, senior appointees and SQA Qualification Development colleagues.

NQ 2024 research technical appendix (699 KB)

Evaluation of the 2023-24 Return to Full Course Assessment

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in modifications to most National Qualification course assessments before the start of the 2021–22 academic year. These modifications included more choice for learners, certain parts of courses not being assessed, and practical requirements being changed or removed. The modifications were to account for a loss of learning due to the pandemic and to ensure that courses could be delivered in accordance with public health guidance. The majority of modifications were removed for the 2023–24 academic year and there was a return to full course assessment.

This report explores the experiences of the return to full course assessment for a range of stakeholders: learners; educators; colleges and higher education institutions (HEIs); SQA Operations and Appointee Management colleagues; SQA Qualification Development colleagues; and senior appointees.

Evaluation 23-24 return to full course assessment (456 KB)