Experiences of National 4s, National 5s, Highers and Advanced Highers 2024-25

Learners, educators and other stakeholders from across Scotland have taken part in Qualification Scotland’s second annual survey gauging perceptions of National Qualifications (NQs) among those who develop and use National 4s, National 5s, Highers and Advanced Highers.

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 2024–25 session performed, such as national attainment data, published in August 2025.

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

2025 reports

Educator experiences

This research captures perceptions of educators who had taught NQs in 2024–25 about a range of topics. These included: National 4, National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher; assessment and awarding; standards; and the impact of the pandemic on learning and teaching. The research also sought to understand the extent to which views on these topics had changed over time. The report is based on responses from over 750 educators.

Learner experiences

This research captures the perceptions of learners on a range of topics related to the NQs they had undertaken 2024–25. These included: National 4, National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher; assessment, awarding and results; and the impact of the legacy of the pandemic on learning and teaching. The research also sought to understand the extent to which views on these topics had changed over time. A final aim of the research was to gauge how learner respondents with different characteristics experienced aspects of their NQ qualifications in 2024–25. The report is based on responses from over 1,300 learners.

Senior appointee and Qualification Development colleague experiences

This research captures the perceptions of colleagues in Qualification Scotland’s Qualifications Development (QD) Directorate and the senior appointees who supported NQs in 2024–25 regarding a range of topics related to NQs. These included: National 4, National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher; assessment and awarding; the legacy of COVID-19’s impact on learning and teaching; and standards. The research also sought to understand the extent to which views on these topics had changed over time. The report is based on responses from 61 senior appointees and QD colleagues.

Comparison of respondent experiences

This report compares the data collected from learners, educators and senior appointees and QD staff on the range of topics related to NQs in 2024–25.

Research methodology

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

Technical appendix

This document sets out, in detail, aspects of the methodology and approach to analysis for the work with learners, educators, senior appointees and QD colleagues.