Statistical data re Advanced Higher Qualifications

I am requesting detailed statistical data regarding Advanced Higher (AH) qualifications awarded in the most recent academic year available (or the past 3 years if possible), specifically relating to the number of AHs taken per candidate, subject combinations, attainment levels, and contextual demographic factors. I would be grateful if you could provide the following: 1. Number of AHs Taken Per Candidate Please provide a breakdown of the number of candidates who took:

1 Advanced Higher 2 Advanced Highers 3 Advanced Highers 4 Advanced Highers 5 Advanced Highers 6 or more Advanced Highers If available, also provide the percentage of the total AH cohort that each category represents.

2. Subject Combinations Please provide: The most common subject combinations taken at AH level, broken down by the number of subjects taken (e.g. most common combinations for 3 AHs, 4 AHs, etc.). The total number of candidates taking each unique combination (limit to top 20-50 combinations if necessary due to data size). A frequency table of subject pairings (e.g. how often Chemistry is taken with Biology, Physics with Maths, etc.).

3. Attainment Data For each category of students (by number of AHs taken), please include: Number of candidates achieving: All A1s All A grades (A1 or A2) At least 3 A1s At least 3 A grades At least 4 A1s / 4 A grades At least 5 A1s / 5 A grades At least 6 A1s / 6 A grades Combinations such as 2 A1s + 1 A2, 3 A1s + 1 B, etc., if feasible For each individual AH subject, please provide: Total entries Grade distribution (A1, A2, B, C, D, No Award) Number and percentage of entries achieving each grade band (A1 vs A2, if this distinction is recorded)

4. Demographic and School Contextual Data If available under FOI provisions, please also include: Attainment and AH entry data disaggregated by: Gender SIMD quintile School type (state school vs independent school) Local Authority (if not too granular) Candidates eligible for free school meals If providing this in combination with attainment data would exceed cost/time limits, a general table of AH attainment by SIMD and gender would still be helpful.

5. General Trends and Averages Average number of AHs taken per candidate Median and mode of AHs taken Number of candidates achieving straight A1s across all AHs taken Comparison of attainment trends in high-entry subjects vs low-entry ones

Notes: If any part of this request exceeds the statutory cost/time limits under FOI law, I would appreciate if you could prioritise: The data on 3+ AH candidates and their subject combinations Attainment breakdowns for 3?6 AH candidates The subject-level grade distributions I am happy to receive raw tables or Excel files if easier to produce. Thank you in advance for your help.

Unfortunately, we have not been able to provide some information as it was unclear what information you are requesting. As this wasn’t discovered until later in the process rather than delaying our response we have stated where clarification is required and once this has been received we will respond accordingly.

Number of AHs Taken Per Candidate Please provide a breakdown of the number of candidates who took: 1 Advanced Higher 2 Advanced Highers 3 Advanced Highers 4 Advanced Highers 5 Advanced Highers 6 or more Advanced Highers If available, also provide the percentage of the total AH cohort that each category represents. –

a.     This information you have requested is publicly available and is therefore exempt information under section 25(1) of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA). However, to assist you in finding the information I have included links to the appropriate areas of our website. Candidate Attainment

2a.  Subject Combinations Please provide: The most common subject combinations taken at AH level, broken down by the number of subjects taken (e.g. most common  combinations for 3 AHs, 4 AHs, etc.). 

Provided in attachment.

2b.  The total number of candidates taking each unique combination (limit to top 20-50 combinations, if necessary, due to data size).

Provided in attachment.

2c. A frequency table of subject pairings (e.g. how often Chemistry is taken with Biology, Physics with Maths, etc.).

May be able to be derived from the information provided. If not, clarification is required.

3a.  Attainment Data For each category of students (by number of AHs taken), please include: Number of candidates achieving: All A1s All A grades (A1 or A2) At least 3  A1s At least 3 A grades At least 4 A1s / 4 A grades At least 5 A1s / 5 A grades At least 6 A1s / 6 A grades Combinations such as 2 A1s + 1 A2, 3 A1s + 1 B, etc.,

Provided in attachment

3b.  For each individual AH subject, please provide: Total entries Grade distribution (A1, A2, B, C, D, No Award)

Provided in attachment.

Number and percentage of entries achieving each grade band (A1 vs A2, if this distinction is recorded)

May be able to be derived from the information provided. If not, clarification is required.

4.   Demographic and School Contextual Data If available under FOI provisions, please also include: Attainment and AH entry data disaggregated by: Gender SIMD quintile School type (state school vs independent school) Local Authority (if not too granular) - Unsure what is being requested.

Clarification required.

Candidates eligible for free school meals.

Under section 17 of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, I must advise you that SQA does not hold this information.

A general table of AH attainment by SIMD and gender would still be helpful.

Provided in attachment (by sex as gender not held).

5. General Trends and Averages Average number of AHs taken per candidate Median and mode of AHs taken Number of candidates achieving straight A1s across all AHs taken Comparison of attainment trends in high-entry subjects vs low-entry ones

a. Can be derived from 3a     

Information sheet (63 KB)