Attainment Statistics - December 2025

Official Statistics

 

Attainment statistical summary

This document is a summary of entries and attainment following the completion of appeals and other post certification procedures at a particular point in time (23 October 2025).

In this release, entry figures for 2025 are presented with reference to the previous year (2024). Attainment figures for 2025 are generally presented with reference to the previous year (2024) and to 2019 (the most recent year prior to the COVID-19 pandemic). The different awarding arrangements in place between 2020 and 2024 mean that it is not possible to compare attainment across these years without full consideration of this contextual information. This is outlined in the background information section and more details are available on the background information webpage.

 

Qualifications included

The types of qualification covered in this release are described in Table 1.

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) has 12 levels which, in ascending order (SCQF levels 1–12), indicate the level of difficulty of a particular qualification. The SCQF allows for broad comparisons to be made between qualifications to allow candidates, employers and the public to understand the range of skills and learning that should be achieved at each level. More information can be found on the SCQF website.

Table 1: Types of qualification covered in this release.
Qualification Description
National 5 courses
(SCQF level 5)
National 5 courses are notionally based on 160 hours of directed learning and 80 hours of self-directed learning and equate to 24 SCQF credit points.
Higher courses
(SCQF level 6)
Higher courses are notionally based on 160 hours of directed learning and 80 hours of self-directed learning and equate to 24 SCQF credit points.
Advanced Higher courses
(SCQF level 7)
Advanced Higher courses are notionally based on 160 hours of directed learning and 160 hours of self-directed learning and equate to 32 SCQF credit points.
Scottish Baccalaureate
(SCQF level 7)
The Scottish Baccalaureate is available in four subject areas (Science, Languages, Social Sciences and Expressive Arts) and consists of a coherent group of Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications, and an Interdisciplinary Project. The Scottish Baccalaureate is notionally based on 1040 hours of learning and equates to 104 SCQF Credit Points at SCQF level 7.
National 2
(SCQF level 2)
National 2 courses were introduced in 2014 and courses require the attainment of a number of SQA quality assured internally assessed units in a particular subject, and is notionally based on 180 hours of learning and equate to 18 SCQF credit points.
National 3
(SCQF level 3)
National 3 courses were introduced in 2014 and courses require the attainment of a number of SQA quality assured internally assessed units in a particular subject and is notionally based on 180 hours of learning and equate to 18 SCQF credit points
National 4
(SCQF level 4)
National 4 courses were introduced in 2014 and courses require the attainment of a number of SQA quality assured internally assessed units, including an Added Value unit, in a particular subject and is notionally based on 240 hours of learning and equate to 24 SCQF credit points
Skills for Work
(SCQF levels 3–6)
Skills for Work courses involve a strong element of learning through involvement in practical activities which are directly related to a particular vocational area, and they develop knowledge and skills that are important to employment. The courses require the attainment of a number of SQA quality assured internally assessed units in a particular subject.
Awards
(SCQF levels 1–7)
SQA Awards recognise the life and work skills that candidates gain from activities they might already be taking part in at school, at college or elsewhere – such as sport, mentoring, voluntary work or fund-raising activities. In common with some other qualifications in SQA’s portfolio, they have been designed to recognise wider achievement. Awards require the attainment of a number of SQA quality assured internally assessed units in a particular subject.
National Certificates
(SCQF levels 3–6)
National Certificates are primarily aimed at 16- to 18-year-old candidates and adults in education, normally at a college. They offer candidates a full-time programme of vocational study. National Certificates require the attainment of a number of SQA quality assured internally assessed units in a particular subject.
National Progression Awards
(SCQF levels 2–6)
National Progression Awards are designed to develop and assess a defined set of skills and knowledge in specialist vocational areas. They are linked to National Occupational Standards – the basis of Scottish Vocational Qualifications. National Progression Awards require the attainment of a number of SQA quality assured internally assessed units in a particular subject.

 

Headline figures

National 5

  • There were 334,015 entries in 2025, an increase of 1.8% from 327,975 in 2024.
  • A to C attainment was 78.5% in 2025 (77.3% in 2024; 78.9% in 2023; 81.6% in 2022; 85.8% in 2021; 89.0% in 2020; 78.3% in 2019).
  • A attainment was 39.3% in 2025 (38.1% in 2024; 38.8% in 2023; 41.2% in 2022; 46.7% in 2021; 42.4% in 2020; 35.2% in 2019).

Higher

  • There were 202,495 entries in 2025, an increase of 3.2% from 196,260 in 2024.
  • A to C attainment was 76.1% in 2025 (75.1% in 2024; 77.4% in 2023; 80.3% in 2022; 87.3% in 2021; 89.3% in 2020; 74.9% in 2019).
  • A attainment was 31.2% in 2025 (30.7% in 2024; 33.3% in 2023; 36.5% in 2022; 47.7% in 2021; 40.1% in 2020; 28.5% in 2019).

Advanced Higher

  • There were 28,610 entries in 2025, an increase of 0.4% from 28,495 in 2024.
  • A to C attainment was 76.9% in 2025 (75.5% in 2024; 80.2% in 2023; 82.6% in 2022; 90.2% in 2021; 93.1% in 2020; 79.6% in 2019).
  • A attainment was 31.7% in 2025 (30.2% in 2024; 33.4% in 2023; 35.0% in 2022; 51.0% in 2021; 46.3% in 2020; 32.0% in 2019).

Scottish Baccalaureate

  • There were 175 entries, with a total attainment rate of 66.5% (72.5% in 2024; 75.7% in 2023; 74.2% in 2022; 92.7% in 2021; 87.9% in 2020; 72.1% in 2019).

National 2 to National 4

  • There were 3,000 National 2 entries, with an attainment rate of 80.0% (79.7% in 2024; 71.9% in 2023; 74.9% in 2022; 70.5% in 2021; 77.6% in 2020; 79.7% in 2019).
  • There were 31,470 National 3 entries, with an attainment rate of 88.7% (87.1% in 2024; 86.1% in 2023; 86.5% in 2022; 88.6% in 2021; 92.9% in 2020; 89.0% in 2019).
  • There were 131,855 National 4 entries, with an attainment rate of 87.5% (86.8% in 2024; 90.1% in 2023; 88.2% in 2022; 89.2% in 2021; 92.4% in 2020; 90.0% in 2019).

Skills for Work

  • Total entries across all SCQF levels were 20,995, with an attainment rate of 87.7% (87.5% in 2024; 84.4% in 2023; 81.6% in 2022; 83.4% in 2021; 87.4% in 2020; 85.0% in 2019).

 

Entries in graded National Qualifications

In this release, entry figures for 2025 are presented with reference to the previous year (2024).

Qualification level breakdown

At National 5, there were 334,015 entries in 2025 (an increase of 1.8% from 327,975 in 2024).

At Higher, there were 202,495 entries in 2025 (an increase of 3.2% from 196,260 in 2024).

At Advanced Higher, there were 28,610 entries in 2025 (an increase of 0.4% from 28,495 in 2024).

 

Figure 1: Entries for National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher from 2019 to 2025.

 

Table 2: Entries for National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher from 2019 to 2025.
Level 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
National 5 288,560 300,685 298,135 310,265 321,385 327,975 334,015
Higher 185,915 186,225 194,795 188,280 191,820 196,260 202,495
Advanced Higher 23,465 23,570 26,805 28,220 27,745 28,495 28,610

 

Subject breakdown

This section summarises entries for the five most popular (largest entry) subjects at each level. Entries data for the complete list of subjects is available in the data tables that accompany this release.

National 5

  • In English, there were 50,655 entries in 2025, an increase of 1.5% from 49,925 in 2024.
  • In Mathematics, there were 34,775 entries in 2025, a decrease of 5.0% from 36,600 in 2024.
  • In Applications of Mathematics, there were 27,655 entries in 2025, an increase of 14.0% from 24,265 in 2024.
  • In Biology, there were 22,095 entries in 2025, a decrease of 1.1% from 22,350 in 2024.
  • In Physical Education, there were 21,330 entries in 2025, an increase of 4.8% from 20,350 in 2024.
National 5 graphs
Figure 2.1: National 5 Applications of Mathematics entries from 2019 to 2025.

 

Figure 2.2: National 5 Biology entries from 2019 to 2025.

 

Figure 2.3: National 5 English entries from 2019 to 2025.

 

Figure 2.4: National 5 Mathematics entries from 2019 to 2025.

 

Figure 2.5: National 5 Physical Education entries from 2019 to 2025.

 

 

Table 3: Entries in the five most popular (largest entry) National 5 subjects from 2019 to 2025.
Subject 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Applications of Mathematics 4,460 10,430 10,760 14,315 19,025 24,265 27,655
Biology 21,550 21,790 21,215 22,580 22,940 22,350 22,095
English 45,595 46,665 46,875 47,735 49,000 49,925 50,655
Mathematics 41,525 41,225 36,450 38,245 37,500 36,600 34,775
Physical Education 16,770 17,195 18,375 19,180 20,025 20,350 21,330

 

Higher

  • In English, there were 37,135 entries in 2025, an increase of 2.3% from 36,300 in 2024.
  • In Mathematics, there were 19,705 entries in 2025, an increase of 6.6% from 18,480 in 2024.
  • In Physical Education, there were 12,660 entries in 2025, an increase of 8.5% from 11,665 in 2024.
  • In Business Management, there were 10,190 entries in 2025, an increase of 7.1% from 9,515 in 2024.
  • In Chemistry, there were 10,120 entries in 2025, an increase of 2.2% from 9,900 in 2024.
Higher graphs
Figure 3.1: Higher Business Management entries from 2019 to 2025.

 

Figure 3.2: Higher Chemistry entries from 2019 to 2025.

 

Figure 3.3: Higher English entries from 2019 to 2025.

 

Figure 3.4: Higher Mathematics entries from 2019 to 2025.

 

Figure 3.5: Higher Physical Education entries from 2019 to 2025.

 

 

Table 4: Entries in the five most popular (largest entry) Higher subjects from 2019 to 2025.
Subject 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Business Management 8,320 8,175 8,780 8,965 8,710 9,515 10,190
Chemistry 10,045 10,040 9,845 9,570 9,685 9,900 10,120
English 35,460 36,370 36,560 34,045 35,520 36,300 37,135
Mathematics 18,595 19,145 19,405 18,020 18,705 18,480 19,705
Physical Education 9,895 10,645 11,810 11,850 11,485 11,665 12,660

 

Advanced Higher

  • In Mathematics, there were 4,460 entries in 2025, an increase of 1.9% from 4,380 in 2024.
  • In Biology, there were 3,125 entries in 2025, an increase of 4.2% from 3,000 in 2024.
  • In English, there were 3,080 entries in 2025, an increase of 2.9% from 2,990 in 2024.
  • In Chemistry, there were 2,765 entries in 2025, an increase of 0.8% from 2,745 in 2024.
  • In Physics, there were 2,115 entries in 2025, a decrease of 6.1% from 2,255 in 2024.
Advanced Higher graphs
Figure 4.1: Advanced Higher Biology entries from 2019 to 2025.

 

Figure 4.2: Advanced Higher Chemistry entries from 2019 to 2025.

 

Figure 4.3: Advanced Higher English entries from 2019 to 2025.

 

Figure 4.4: Advanced Higher Mathematics entries from 2019 to 2025.

 

Figure 4.5: Advanced Higher Physics entries from 2019 to 2025.

 

 

Table 5: Entries in the five most popular (largest entry) Advanced Higher subjects from 2019 to 2025.
Subject 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Biology 2,315 2,510 2,965 3,165 3,090 3,000 3,125
Chemistry 2,450 2,555 2,675 2,735 2,850 2,745 2,765
English 2,345 2,240 2,830 2,770 2,635 2,990 3,080
Mathematics 3,695 3,625 3,785 3,915 4,125 4,380 4,460
Physics 1,645 1,710 1,945 2,130 2,085 2,255 2,115

 

Sex breakdown

At National 5, there were 166,285 entries for female candidates in 2025 (an increase of 1.0% from 164,615 in 2024). There were 167,665 entries for male candidates (an increase of 2.7% from 163,300 in 2024).

At Higher, there were 109,100 entries for female candidates in 2025 (an increase of 2.8% from 106,110 in 2024). There were 93,355 entries for male candidates (an increase of 3.6% from 90,090 in 2024).

At Advanced Higher, there were 16,210 entries for female candidates in 2025 (an increase of 3.6% from 15,645 in 2024). There were 12,390 entries for male candidates (a decrease of 3.5% from 12,840 in 2024).

Table 6: Entries by sex in graded National Qualifications from 2019 to 2025.
Level Sex 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
National 5 Female 148,570 153,725 150,265 155,425 161,150 164,615 166,285
National 5 Male 139,985 146,935 147,780 154,760 160,150 163,300 167,665
Higher Female 104,005 103,830 106,735 101,140 103,010 106,110 109,100
Higher Male 81,900 82,390 88,030 87,040 88,720 90,090 93,355
Advanced Higher Female 13,180 13,210 15,160 15,570 15,330 15,645 16,210
Advanced Higher Male 10,285 10,360 11,645 12,640 12,400 12,840 12,390

 

Centre type breakdown

The number of entries to National Qualifications across different centre types can be impacted by a range of factors. From 2019 to 2024 the majority of entries in graded National Qualifications were from education authority centres, and this continued to be the case in 2025.

At National 5, there were 312,490 entries for education authority centres in 2025 (an increase of 2.0% from 306,305 in 2024) and there were 18,975 entries for independent centres (a decrease of 0.6% from 19,095 in 2024). There were also 2,405 entries for further education (FE) colleges in 2025 (a decrease of 3.9% from 2,505 in 2024).

At Higher, there were 184,795 entries for education authority centres in 2025 (an increase of 3.5% from 178,575 in 2024) and there were 14,865 entries for independent centres (an increase of 0.6% from 14,775 in 2024). There were also 2,605 entries for further education (FE) colleges in 2025 (a decrease of 3.9% from 2,715 in 2024).

At Advanced Higher, there were 23,745 entries for education authority centres in 2025 (an increase of 1.6% from 23,365 in 2024) and there were 4,720 entries for independent centres (a decrease of 2.1% from 4,820 in 2024). There were also 135 entries for further education (FE) colleges in 2025 (an increase of 11.7% from 120 in 2024).

Table 7: Entries by centre type in graded National Qualifications from 2019 to 2025.
Level Centre type 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
National 5 Education Authority 266,495 278,565 276,480 288,880 299,735 306,305 312,490
National 5 Independent 18,300 18,370 18,830 19,015 19,180 19,095 18,975
National 5 FE College 3,680 3,690 2,780 2,325 2,410 2,505 2,405
Higher Education Authority 164,830 166,670 175,855 170,080 173,530 178,575 184,795
Higher Independent 14,575 14,165 14,480 14,585 14,845 14,775 14,865
Higher FE College 6,410 5,280 4,315 3,480 3,275 2,715 2,605
Advanced Higher Education Authority 19,325 19,090 22,260 23,430 22,810 23,365 23,745
Advanced Higher Independent 3,895 4,230 4,315 4,550 4,690 4,820 4,720
Advanced Higher FE College 95 80 50 75 85 120 135

 

Attainment in graded National Qualifications

In this section, attainment statistics for 2025 are generally presented with reference to attainment in the previous year (2024) and to 2019 (the most recent year prior to the COVID-19 pandemic).

SQA external assessments did not take place in 2020 and 2021 due to disruption caused by the pandemic. Alternative approaches to assessment, relying on teacher judgement, were used to award grades and allow learners to progress. All visualisations of attainment in this report indicate this period using black dashed lines.

The different awarding arrangements in place between 2020 and 2023 mean that it is not possible to compare attainment across these years without full consideration of this essential contextual information.

The return of the national diet of exams in 2022 following the global pandemic included a range of measures to support learners. Because teaching and learning had been disrupted, some course assessments were modified by various methods, including removing coursework from courses. Many of these modifications continued into the 2023 diet in recognition of continued disruption to teaching and learning. Following discussions with learners, teachers, lecturers, parents, carers and others, there has been a return to full course assessment in 2024.

The percentage of entries that achieved an A grade and the percentage of entries that achieved A to C grades are referred to as ‘attainment rates’ throughout this section.

Qualification level breakdown

Table 8: Summary of overall attainment rates from 2019 to 2025.
Level Grade(s) 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
National 5 A to C 78.3% 89.0% 85.8% 81.6% 78.9% 77.3% 78.5%
National 5 A 35.2% 42.4% 46.7% 41.2% 38.8% 38.1% 39.3%
Higher A to C 74.9% 89.3% 87.3% 80.3% 77.4% 75.1% 76.1%
Higher A 28.5% 40.1% 47.7% 36.5% 33.3% 30.7% 31.2%
Advanced Higher A to C 79.6% 93.1% 90.2% 82.6% 80.2% 75.5% 76.9%
Advanced Higher A 32.0% 46.3% 51.0% 35.0% 33.4% 30.2% 31.7%

 

National 5

The overall attainment rate at grades A to C for National 5 was 78.5% in 2025. This represents an increase of 1.1 percentage points from 77.3% in 2024 and an increase of 0.2 percentage points from 78.3% in 2019.

The overall attainment rate at grade A for National 5 was 39.3% in 2025. This represents an increase of 1.2 percentage points from 38.1% in 2024 and an increase of 4.2 percentage points from 35.2% in 2019.

Figure 5: National 5 grade A and grades A to C attainment rates from 2019 to 2025.

Note: The period between 2020 and 2021 indicates that alternative approaches to assessment, relying on teacher judgement, were used to award grades and allow learners to progress.

 

Higher

The overall attainment rate at grades A to C for Higher was 76.1% in 2025. This represents an increase of 1.0 percentage points from 75.1% in 2024 and an increase of 1.2 percentage points from 74.9% in 2019.

The overall attainment rate at grade A for Higher was 31.2% in 2025. This represents an increase of 0.5 percentage points from 30.7% in 2024 and an increase of 2.7 percentage points from 28.5% in 2019.

Figure 6: Higher grade A and grades A to C attainment rates from 2019 to 2025.

Note: The period between 2020 and 2021 indicates that alternative approaches to assessment, relying on teacher judgement, were used to award grades and allow learners to progress.

 

Advanced Higher

The overall attainment rate at grades A to C for Advanced Higher was 76.9% in 2025. This represents an increase of 1.3 percentage points from 75.5% in 2024 and a decrease of 2.7 percentage points from 79.6% in 2019.

The overall attainment rate at grade A for Advanced Higher was 31.7% in 2025. This represents an increase of 1.4 percentage points from 30.2% in 2024 and a decrease of 0.3 percentage points from 32.0% in 2019.

Figure 7: Advanced Higher grade A and grades A to C attainment rates from 2019 to 2025.

Note: The period between 2020 and 2021 indicates that alternative approaches to assessment, relying on teacher judgement, were used to award grades and allow learners to progress.

 

Subject breakdown

In this section, attainment is summarised for the five most popular (largest entry) subjects at each level. Attainment data for the complete list of subjects is available in the data tables that accompany this release.

National 5

There were 34,775 entries for National 5 Mathematics in 2025 (a decrease of 5.0% from 36,600 in 2024). A total of 69.5% of grades were A to C, an increase of 1.2 percentage points from 68.2% in 2024 and an increase of 3.9 percentage points from 65.5% in 2019. 39.8% of grades were A, a decrease of 0.2 percentage points from 39.9% in 2024 and an increase of 8.9 percentage points from 30.9% in 2019.

There were 50,655 entries for National 5 English in 2025 (an increase of 1.5% from 49,925 in 2024). A total of 85.7% of grades were A to C, an increase of 1.3 percentage points from 84.4% in 2024 and a decrease of 0.7 percentage points from 86.4% in 2019. 40.8% of grades were A, an increase of 3.5 percentage points from 37.3% in 2024 and an increase of 5.4 percentage points from 35.4% in 2019.

Applications of Mathematics, Biology, and Physical Education were also large uptake subjects. Their A to C attainment rates increased in 2025, compared to 2024. Compared to 2019, the A to C attainment rates of both Applications of Mathematics and Physical Education increased, while Biology decreased.

The A attainment rates in 2025 for Applications of Mathematics, Biology and Physical Education increased compared to 2024. Compared to 2019, the A attainment rates increased for Applications of Mathematics and Physical Education in 2025 but decreased for Biology.

Note: Applications of Mathematics has shown an increase in entries year-on-year since 2019 (from 4,460 in 2019 to 27,655 in 2025).

 

National 5 graphs

Note: The period between 2020 and 2021 indicates that alternative approaches to assessment, relying on teacher judgement, were used to award grades and allow learners to progress.

Figure 8.1: National 5 Applications of Mathematics grade A and grades A to C attainment rates from 2019 to 2025.

 

Figure 8.2: National 5 Biology grade A and grades A to C attainment rates from 2019 to 2025.

 

Figure 8.3: National 5 English grade A and grades A to C attainment rates from 2019 to 2025.

 

Figure 8.4: National 5 Mathematics grade A and grades A to C attainment rates from 2019 to 2025.

 

Figure 8.5: National 5 Physical Education grade A and grades A to C attainment rates from 2019 to 2025.

 

 

Table 9: Summary of attainment for selected National 5 subjects from 2019 to 2025.
Subject Grade(s) 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Applications of Mathematics A to C 58.6% 75.3% 64.0% 65.3% 62.0% 59.5% 62.3%
Biology A to C 70.6% 83.4% 75.8% 72.3% 73.0% 64.6% 65.7%
English A to C 86.4% 91.4% 91.0% 88.3% 86.4% 84.4% 85.7%
Mathematics A to C 65.5% 79.2% 73.0% 70.3% 62.5% 68.2% 69.5%
Physical Education A to C 94.0% 97.8% 97.2% 96.2% 95.2% 94.9% 96.0%
Applications of Mathematics A 23.8% 28.9% 22.7% 25.0% 25.3% 25.7% 29.2%
Biology A 29.5% 35.3% 36.5% 32.7% 34.3% 28.1% 28.8%
English A 35.4% 39.5% 47.6% 42.3% 40.2% 37.3% 40.8%
Mathematics A 30.9% 36.8% 37.8% 37.2% 28.5% 39.9% 39.8%
Physical Education A 46.0% 59.9% 62.5% 54.8% 54.8% 47.9% 48.1%

 

Higher

There were 19,705 entries for Higher Mathematics in 2025 (an increase of 6.6% from 18,480 in 2024). A total of 74.0% of grades were A to C, an increase of 1.2 percentage points from 72.8% in 2024 and an increase of 1.6 percentage points from 72.4% in 2019. 41.5% of grades were A, an increase of 0.8 percentage points from 40.7% in 2024 and an increase of 8.5 percentage points from 32.9% in 2019.

There were 37,135 entries for Higher English in 2025 (an increase of 2.3% from 36,300 in 2024). A total of 73.9% of grades were A to C, a decrease of 1.1 percentage points from 74.9% in 2024 and an increase of 0.5 percentage points from 73.4% in 2019. 24.4% of grades were A, a decrease of 2.8 percentage points from 27.2% in 2024 and an increase of 1.0 percentage points from 23.4% in 2019.

For the other large-uptake subjects, Chemistry saw an increase in its A to C attainment rate compared to 2024, while the A to C attainment rates for both Business Management and Physical Education decreased. Compared to 2019, there was an increase in the A to C attainment rates for Business Management and Chemistry, while the A to C attainment rate for Physical Education decreased.

For Chemistry, the A attainment rate in 2025 increased when compared to both 2019 and 2024. For Business Management, the A attainment rate in 2025 decreased when compared to 2024, but increased when compared to 2019. For Physical Education, the A attainment rate in 2025 decreased when compared to both 2024 and 2019.

Higher graphs

Note: The period between 2020 and 2021 indicates that alternative approaches to assessment, relying on teacher judgement, were used to award grades and allow learners to progress.

Figure 9.1: Higher Business Management grade A and grades A to C attainment rates from 2019 to 2025.

 

Figure 9.2: Higher Chemistry grade A and grades A to C attainment rates from 2019 to 2025.

 

Figure 9.3: Higher English grade A and grades A to C attainment rates from 2019 to 2025.

 

Figure 9.4: Higher Mathematics grade A and grades A to C attainment rates from 2019 to 2025.

 

Figure 9.5: Higher Physical Education grade A and grades A to C attainment rates from 2019 to 2025.

 

 

Table 10: Summary of attainment for selected Higher subjects from 2019 to 2025.
Subject Grade(s) 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Business Management A to C 76.0% 89.9% 87.8% 83.1% 78.0% 78.7% 76.4%
Chemistry A to C 75.8% 88.3% 81.5% 78.7% 77.8% 74.4% 76.2%
English A to C 73.4% 87.5% 88.2% 81.3% 76.3% 74.9% 73.9%
Mathematics A to C 72.4% 83.3% 80.1% 75.6% 73.3% 72.8% 74.0%
Physical Education A to C 88.1% 94.2% 92.8% 88.8% 88.2% 86.8% 86.4%
Business Management A 31.5% 39.0% 50.1% 45.1% 37.9% 35.6% 34.9%
Chemistry A 30.0% 40.9% 43.4% 35.4% 32.9% 29.9% 32.1%
English A 23.4% 31.8% 42.2% 31.1% 27.7% 27.2% 24.4%
Mathematics A 32.9% 40.6% 47.1% 46.0% 39.0% 40.7% 41.5%
Physical Education A 27.6% 38.8% 45.2% 32.3% 33.2% 27.7% 24.8%

 

Advanced Higher

There were 4,460 entries for Advanced Higher Mathematics in 2025 (an increase of 1.9% from 4,380 in 2024). A total of 72.4% of grades were A to C, an increase of 2.2 percentage points from 70.3% in 2024 and a decrease of 3.2 percentage points from 75.6% in 2019. 41.4% of grades were A, an increase of 2.2 percentage points from 39.2% in 2024 and an increase of 4.1 percentage points from 37.3% in 2019.

There were 3,080 entries for Advanced Higher English in 2025 (an increase of 2.9% from 2,990 in 2024). A total of 76.4% of grades were A to C, an increase of 5.0 percentage points from 71.3% in 2024 and a decrease of 2.4 percentage points from 78.8% in 2019. 20.7% of grades were A, an increase of 2.1 percentage points from 18.6% in 2024 and a decrease of 0.1 percentage points from 20.8% in 2019.

For the other large-uptake subjects, when compared to 2024, both Chemistry and Physics saw an increase in their A to C attainment rates in 2025, while there was a decrease in the A to C attainment rate for Biology. When compared to 2019, both the A and the A to C attainment rates for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics decreased. In 2025, the A attainment rates for Chemistry and Physics increased compared to 2024, while the A attainment rate for Biology decreased.

Advanced Higher graphs

Note: The period between 2020 and 2021 indicates that alternative approaches to assessment, relying on teacher judgement, were used to award grades and allow learners to progress.

Figure 10.1: Advanced Higher Biology grade A and grades A to C attainment rates from 2019 to 2025.

 

Figure 10.2: Advanced Higher Chemistry grade A and grades A to C attainment rates from 2019 to 2025.

 

Figure 10.3: Advanced Higher English grade A and grades A to C attainment rates from 2019 to 2025.

 

Figure 10.4: Advanced Higher Mathematics grade A and grades A to C attainment rates from 2019 to 2025.

 

Figure 10.5: Advanced Higher Physics grade A and grades A to C attainment rates from 2019 to 2025.

 

 

Table 11: Summary of attainment for selected Advanced Higher subjects from 2019 to 2025.
Subject Grade(s) 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Biology A to C 74.2% 89.2% 84.1% 75.8% 74.5% 67.0% 64.5%
Chemistry A to C 82.3% 92.7% 86.2% 82.4% 78.9% 71.2% 77.3%
English A to C 78.8% 92.6% 91.8% 85.6% 79.5% 71.3% 76.4%
Mathematics A to C 75.6% 89.2% 87.0% 78.2% 76.1% 70.3% 72.4%
Physics A to C 78.8% 93.2% 88.1% 81.3% 79.4% 72.9% 73.0%
Biology A 24.6% 36.2% 41.9% 24.5% 24.6% 17.6% 17.2%
Chemistry A 33.8% 42.9% 45.3% 33.4% 27.5% 26.8% 30.1%
English A 20.8% 37.3% 45.9% 29.8% 25.2% 18.6% 20.7%
Mathematics A 37.3% 47.9% 57.9% 39.1% 38.3% 39.2% 41.4%
Physics A 31.5% 50.6% 51.7% 36.4% 32.4% 24.4% 27.0%

 

Sex breakdown

National 5

At grades A to C, the attainment rate increased for both female and male candidates in 2025 compared to 2024. 80.5% of female candidate grades at National 5 were A to C in 2025, an increase of 1.0 percentage points from 79.5% in 2024 and an increase of 0.2 percentage points from 80.3% in 2019. 76.4% of male candidate grades at National 5 were A to C in 2025, an increase of 1.2 percentage points from 75.2% in 2024 and an increase of 0.4 percentage points from 76.1% in 2019.

At grade A, the attainment rate increased for both female and male candidates in 2025 compared to 2024. 43.8% of female candidate grades at National 5 were A to C in 2025, an increase of 1.1 percentage points from 42.7% in 2024 and an increase of 4.6 percentage points from 39.3% in 2019. 34.9% of male candidate grades at National 5 were A to C in 2025, an increase of 1.4 percentage points from 33.5% in 2024 and an increase of 4.0 percentage points from 30.8% in 2019.

National 5 graphs

Note: The period between 2020 and 2021 indicates that alternative approaches to assessment, relying on teacher judgement, were used to award grades and allow learners to progress.

Figure 11.1: A to C attainment rates by sex for National 5 from 2019 to 2025.

 

Figure 11.2: A attainment rates by sex for National 5 from 2019 to 2025.

 

 

Table 12: Summary of attainment for National 5 qualifications from 2019 to 2025 by sex.
Sex Grade(s) 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Female A to C 80.3% 90.4% 87.2% 83.3% 80.7% 79.5% 80.5%
Male A to C 76.1% 87.6% 84.3% 80.0% 77.0% 75.2% 76.4%
Female A 39.3% 46.4% 51.5% 45.2% 42.6% 42.7% 43.8%
Male A 30.8% 38.2% 41.8% 37.2% 35.0% 33.5% 34.9%

 

Higher

At grades A to C, the attainment rate increased for both female and male candidates in 2025 compared to 2024. 78.6% of female candidate grades at Higher were A to C in 2025, an increase of 0.7 percentage points from 78.0% in 2024 and an increase of 1.7 percentage points from 77.0% in 2019. 73.2% of male candidate grades at Higher were A to C in 2025, an increase of 1.4 percentage points from 71.8% in 2024 and an increase of 0.8 percentage points from 72.4% in 2019.

At grade A, the attainment rate increased for both female and male candidates in 2025 compared to 2024. 34.5% of female candidate grades at Higher were A to C in 2025, an increase of 0.9 percentage points from 33.7% in 2024 and an increase of 3.9 percentage points from 30.6% in 2019. 27.3% of male candidate grades at Higher were A to C in 2025, an increase of 0.1 percentage points from 27.2% in 2024 and an increase of 1.5 percentage points from 25.9% in 2019.

Higher graphs
Figure 12.1: A to C attainment rates by sex for Higher from 2019 to 2025.

 

Figure 12.2: A attainment rates by sex for Higher from 2019 to 2025.

 

 

Table 13: Summary of attainment for Higher qualifications from 2019 to 2025 by sex.
Sex Grade(s) 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Female A to C 77.0% 90.9% 89.4% 82.6% 79.8% 78.0% 78.6%
Male A to C 72.4% 87.2% 84.8% 77.8% 74.6% 71.8% 73.2%
Female A 30.6% 43.3% 52.1% 39.9% 36.0% 33.7% 34.5%
Male A 25.9% 36.0% 42.2% 32.6% 30.2% 27.2% 27.3%

 

Advanced Higher

At grades A to C, the attainment rate increased for both female and male candidates in 2025 compared to 2024. 79.4% of female candidate grades at Advanced Higher were A to C in 2025, an increase of 0.9 percentage points from 78.4% in 2024 and a decrease of 2.3 percentage points from 81.6% in 2019. 73.6% of male candidate grades at Advanced Higher were A to C in 2025, an increase of 1.6 percentage points from 72.0% in 2024 and a decrease of 3.4 percentage points from 77.0% in 2019.

At grade A, the attainment rate increased for both female and male candidates in 2025 compared to 2024. 32.0% of female candidate grades at Advanced Higher were A to C in 2025, an increase of 1.4 percentage points from 30.6% in 2024 and a decrease of 0.2 percentage points from 32.2% in 2019. 31.3% of male candidate grades at Advanced Higher were A to C in 2025, an increase of 1.5 percentage points from 29.9% in 2024 and a decrease of 0.4 percentage points from 31.7% in 2019.

Advanced Higher graphs
Figure 13.1: A to C attainment rates by sex for Advanced Higher from 2019 to 2025.

 

Figure 13.2: A attainment rates by sex for Advanced Higher from 2019 to 2025.

 

 

Table 14: Summary of attainment for Advanced Higher qualifications from 2019 to 2025 by sex.
Sex Grade(s) 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Female A to C 81.6% 94.4% 92.2% 85.2% 82.7% 78.4% 79.4%
Male A to C 77.0% 91.4% 87.6% 79.4% 77.1% 72.0% 73.6%
Female A 32.2% 47.6% 53.2% 36.0% 34.3% 30.6% 32.0%
Male A 31.7% 44.8% 48.1% 33.6% 32.2% 29.9% 31.3%

 

Centre type breakdown

Over time, attainment rates are higher for independent centres than education authority centres, and this continued to be the case in 2025.

FE colleges have relatively low uptake for graded National Qualifications. The range of subjects taken in FE colleges is also considerably narrower than the other centre types. For these reasons, overall attainment rates for FE colleges and the other centre types are not comparable.

National 5

In education authority centres, the A to C attainment rate was 77.6% in 2025, an increase of 1.2 percentage points from 76.3% in 2024 and an increase of 0.3 percentage points from 77.3% in 2019. At grade A, the attainment rate was 37.3% in education authority centres in 2025, an increase of 1.3 percentage points from 36.0% in 2024 and an increase of 4.4 percentage points from 33.0% in 2019.

In independent centres, the A to C attainment rate was 94.9% in 2025, an increase of 0.3 percentage points from 94.6% in 2024 and a decrease of 0.0 percentage points from 94.9% in 2019. At grade A, the attainment rate was 73.5% in independent centres in 2025, an increase of 0.7 percentage points from 72.8% in 2024 and an increase of 4.2 percentage points from 69.3% in 2019.

In FE colleges, the A to C attainment rate was 67.6% in 2025, a decrease of 3.1 percentage points from 70.6% in 2024 and a decrease of 0.2 percentage points from 67.8% in 2019. At grade A, the attainment rate was 27.7% in further education (FE) colleges in 2025, a decrease of 5.2 percentage points from 32.8% in 2024 and an increase of 2.5 percentage points from 25.2% in 2019.

Table 15: Summary of attainment for National 5 qualifications from 2019 to 2025 by centre type.
Centre type Grade(s) 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Education Authority A to C 77.3% 88.5% 85.1% 80.8% 77.9% 76.3% 77.6%
Independent A to C 94.9% 97.7% 96.8% 95.7% 94.9% 94.6% 94.9%
FE College A to C 67.8% 85.7% 74.9% 71.8% 69.4% 70.6% 67.6%
Education Authority A 33.0% 40.4% 44.8% 39.0% 36.8% 36.0% 37.3%
Independent A 69.3% 73.0% 76.9% 74.9% 71.7% 72.8% 73.5%
FE College A 25.2% 34.9% 33.2% 30.6% 28.2% 32.8% 27.7%

 

Higher

In education authority centres, the A to C attainment rate was 75.0% in 2025, an increase of 1.2 percentage points from 73.8% in 2024 and an increase of 1.0 percentage points from 74.1% in 2019. At grade A, the attainment rate was 29.1% in education authority centres in 2025, an increase of 0.7 percentage points from 28.5% in 2024 and an increase of 2.8 percentage points from 26.3% in 2019.

In independent centres, the A to C attainment rate was 92.1% in 2025, a decrease of 0.4 percentage points from 92.5% in 2024 and a decrease of 0.9 percentage points from 92.9% in 2019. At grade A, the attainment rate was 58.7% in independent centres in 2025, a decrease of 0.7 percentage points from 59.5% in 2024 and a decrease of 0.2 percentage points from 58.9% in 2019.

In FE colleges, the A to C attainment rate was 65.8% in 2025, an increase of 2.0 percentage points from 63.8% in 2024 and an increase of 9.0 percentage points from 56.7% in 2019. At grade A, the attainment rate was 23.9% in further education (FE) colleges in 2025, an increase of 0.9 percentage points from 23.0% in 2024 and an increase of 9.2 percentage points from 14.7% in 2019.

Table 16: Summary of attainment for Higher qualifications from 2019 to 2025 by centre type.
Centre type Grade(s) 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Education Authority A to C 74.1% 88.8% 86.7% 79.4% 76.2% 73.8% 75.0%
Independent A to C 92.9% 97.7% 97.2% 94.0% 93.3% 92.5% 92.1%
FE College A to C 56.7% 81.7% 79.1% 67.2% 66.8% 63.8% 65.8%
Education Authority A 26.3% 38.1% 45.6% 34.5% 31.0% 28.5% 29.1%
Independent A 58.9% 67.2% 75.5% 63.9% 61.6% 59.5% 58.7%
FE College A 14.7% 28.7% 37.7% 20.9% 23.5% 23.0% 23.9%

 

Advanced Higher

In education authority centres, the A to C attainment rate was 74.0% in 2025, an increase of 1.6 percentage points from 72.5% in 2024 and a decrease of 3.0 percentage points from 77.1% in 2019. At grade A, the attainment rate was 27.1% in education authority centres in 2025, an increase of 1.2 percentage points from 25.8% in 2024 and a decrease of 0.4 percentage points from 27.4% in 2019.

In independent centres, the A to C attainment rate was 90.8% in 2025, an increase of 1.1 percentage points from 89.8% in 2024 and a decrease of 0.8 percentage points from 91.6% in 2019. At grade A, the attainment rate was 54.0% in independent centres in 2025, an increase of 3.4 percentage points from 50.7% in 2024 and an increase of 0.2 percentage points from 53.9% in 2019.

In FE colleges, the A to C attainment rate was 88.1% in 2025, an increase of 1.4 percentage points from 86.7% in 2024 and an increase of 6.0 percentage points from 82.1% in 2019. At grade A, the attainment rate was 63.4% in further education (FE) colleges in 2025, an increase of 5.9 percentage points from 57.5% in 2024 and an increase of 17.1 percentage points from 46.3% in 2019.

Table 17: Summary of attainment for Advanced Higher qualifications from 2019 to 2025 by centre type.
Centre type Grade(s) 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Education Authority A to C 77.1% 92.0% 88.8% 80.5% 77.6% 72.5% 74.0%
Independent A to C 91.6% 97.9% 96.9% 93.0% 92.8% 89.8% 90.8%
FE College A to C 82.1% 88.5% 96.0% 89.5% 84.3% 86.7% 88.1%
Education Authority A 27.4% 41.7% 46.8% 30.7% 28.8% 25.8% 27.1%
Independent A 53.9% 66.8% 72.3% 56.5% 55.1% 50.7% 54.0%
FE College A 46.3% 51.3% 74.0% 57.9% 51.8% 57.5% 63.4%

 

Scottish Baccalaureate

Entries for the Scottish Baccalaureate remained small and stable in 2025. Attainment varies each year, which is to be expected given the small number of entries.

Table 18: Summary of entries and attainment for Scottish Baccalaureate qualifications from 2019 to 2025.
Year Entries Number of Pass Percentage of Pass Number of Distinction Percentage of Distinction
2019 155 110 72.1% 55 35.1%
2020 150 130 87.9% 85 57.0%
2021 150 140 92.7% 100 65.3%
2022 165 120 74.2% 80 47.9%
2023 175 130 75.7% 80 45.7%
2024 140 100 72.5% 60 42.0%
2025 175 115 66.5% 70 38.6%

 

Ungraded National Courses

National 2 and National 3 courses are a flexible provision and are not necessarily completed in a single academic year by candidates. Consequently, the results are not directly comparable with other courses.

National 2, National 3, and National 4 courses are all ungraded. The attainment rate (referred to in the following tables as ‘Percentage Attained’) is based on entries which have resulted in a pass.

National 2

There were entries in 15 National 2 courses. Entries totalled 3,000 in 2025 with 2,400 attaining an award. The attainment rate was 80.0%.

Table 19: Summary of entries and attainment for National 2 qualifications from 2019 to 2025.
Year Entries Number Attained Percentage Attained
2019 2,045 1,630 79.7%
2020 1,990 1,545 77.6%
2021 2,190 1,545 70.5%
2022 2,365 1,770 74.9%
2023 2,995 2,155 71.9%
2024 2,770 2,210 79.7%
2025 3,000 2,400 80.0%

 

National 3

There were entries in 36 National 3 courses. Entries totalled 31,470 in 2025 with 27,905 attaining an award. The attainment rate was 88.7%.

Table 20: Summary of entries and attainment for National 3 qualifications from 2019 to 2025.
Year Entries Number Attained Percentage Attained
2019 19,285 17,155 89.0%
2020 21,640 20,105 92.9%
2021 20,910 18,535 88.6%
2022 20,300 17,555 86.5%
2023 22,420 19,305 86.1%
2024 29,205 25,450 87.1%
2025 31,470 27,905 88.7%

 

National 4

There were entries in 47 National 4 courses. Entries totalled 131,855 in 2025 with 115,395 attaining an award. The attainment rate was 87.5%.

National 4 figures for 2019 include those awarded through the Recognising Positive Achievement (RPA) process. SQA treats National 4 attainment arising through course completion and through the RPA process as being equivalent. While the table below shows a total of 104,865 entries for 2019, this includes those entries arising through RPA. National 4 course entries within centres (excluding entries arising through RPA) were estimated, using certification data, to be 95,870.

Table 21: Summary of entries and attainment for National 4 qualifications from 2019 to 2025.
Year Entries Number Attained Percentage Attained
2019 108,000 97,220 90.0%
2020 102,490 94,710 92.4%
2021 103,660 92,490 89.2%
2022 123,750 109,105 88.2%
2023 135,870 122,405 90.1%
2024 125,015 108,490 86.8%
2025 131,855 115,395 87.5%

 

Skills for Work

Skills for Work courses are a flexible provision and are not necessarily completed in a single academic year by candidates. Consequently, the results are not directly comparable with other courses.

As the courses are all ungraded, the attainment rate is based on entries which have resulted in a pass.

Table 22: Summary of entries and attainment for Skills for Work qualifications from 2019 to 2025.
Year Entries Number Attained Percentage Attained
2019 12,110 10,290 85.0%
2020 14,465 12,640 87.4%
2021 13,280 11,080 83.4%
2022 14,255 11,635 81.6%
2023 16,300 13,755 84.4%
2024 17,550 15,350 87.5%
2025 20,995 18,420 87.7%

 

Awards, National Certificates and National Progression Awards

Overall, the combined attainment volume for Awards, National Certificates, and National Progression Awards is at the highest in 2025 over the period ranging from 2019 to 2025. Notable increases can be seen at SCQF levels 4, 5, 6 and 7 for Awards, and SCQF levels 4, 5 and 6 for National Progression Awards.

Table 23: Summary of attainment for Award, National Certificate and National Progression Award qualifications from 2019 to 2025.
SCQF Level Qualification 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
SCQF1 Award 460 405 155 245 310 360 435
SCQF2 Award 1,070 950 750 695 565 1,075 935
SCQF2 National Progression Award 80 90 85 60 105 115 70
SCQF3 Award 4,845 4,445 3,825 3,835 3,225 4,045 4,310
SCQF3 National Certificate 15 5 0 0 0 35 25
SCQF3 National Progression Award 145 240 110 145 120 285 370
SCQF4 Award 11,065 12,145 10,135 10,380 11,575 14,060 15,565
SCQF4 National Certificate 295 210 200 120 105 170 110
SCQF4 National Progression Award 5,005 4,865 4,305 5,295 5,835 6,290 6,805
SCQF5 Award 5,425 8,335 7,435 9,835 11,760 14,935 18,435
SCQF5 National Certificate 3,605 2,625 2,100 2,330 1,575 2,160 2,610
SCQF5 National Progression Award 6,395 6,900 6,510 9,185 11,070 13,970 17,905
SCQF6 Award 5,545 5,900 5,695 5,925 7,340 8,645 9,975
SCQF6 National Certificate 5,715 4,940 4,255 3,990 2,415 3,980 4,635
SCQF6 National Progression Award 4,310 7,020 7,855 8,430 9,455 12,970 16,135
SCQF7 Award 0 0 0 0 0 15 55

 

Background information

Attainment Statistics - December 2025 details the main qualifications taken at school and college level by candidates in Scotland: a mix of current National Courses (National 2 to National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher) as well as Skills for Work, Awards, National Progression Awards, and National Certificates.

In this release, attainment statistics for Awards, National Progression Awards and National Certificate qualifications detail the number of certificated entries between 1 August 2024 and 31 July 2025.

The purpose of National Courses, as well as Skills for Work, Awards, National Progression Awards and National Certifications, is to enable certification and recognition for the programmes of work that candidates undertake in the senior phase of secondary education and in colleges.

The broad objectives of National Courses are to provide high standards, and breadth and depth of learning for individual learners, usually assessed via national exams, coursework and/or internally assessed components.

Prior to 2020, the Scottish examination system had been in a period of change since the introduction of the Curriculum for Excellence (CfE). Revised National Qualification (RNQ) changes made to the assessment of National 5 courses in 2018, Higher courses in 2019 and Advanced Higher courses in 2020, meant units and unit assessments were removed and each course assessment was adjusted accordingly. In addition, grade D was extended from a notional 45–49% to a notional 40–49%.

In 2020, the Deputy First Minister directed SQA to issue grades, primarily on the basis of teacher estimates. Grades that had been adjusted upwards in an earlier moderation process were also retained.

In 2021, The Scottish Government commissioned SQA to develop an Alternative Certification Model (ACM 2021) for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher. The model was based on teacher judgement, supported by assessment resources and quality assurance.

Throughout 2022, SQA worked with partners across the education sector (including teachers, lecturers, learners, parents and carers) to agree the wide-ranging package of support that was put in place to enable learners to demonstrate what they know, understand and can do, despite the disruption to learning caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. SQA implemented various modifications and revision support to reduce the assessment requirements for courses and increase learning and teaching time.

In 2023, awarding operated using the established procedure, as far as possible, in order to evaluate the performance of the course assessment, but with consideration given to the following factors:

  • impact of the reducing legacy of disruption to teaching and learning caused by the pandemic
  • impact of modifications to course assessment
  • impact of the removal of revision support

Awarding decisions were therefore ‘sensitive’ to these factors, ensuring that grade boundary decisions recognised that performance continues to be impacted. This was informed by the full range of qualitative and quantitative data used during awarding, with additional data from 2021–22 on the impact of modifications.

In 2024, awarding used the well-established procedures to evaluate the performance of the course assessment and, where appropriate, considered the impact of changes to assessment brought about by the return to full course assessment for many courses. These changes to assessment included the removal of optionality in some question papers and the reintroduction of:

  • coursework components (projects, assignments, dissertations)
  • optional content into question papers
  • course content examined in question papers
  • an exam component

From 2025, SQA returned to well-established awarding procedures, in line with our Awarding and Grading for National Courses Policy, which is available on the background information webpage.

Users of these statistics should be mindful of the above information when comparing figures from different years.

Figures in this report are rounded to the nearest five. Percentages, percentage changes, and percentage point changes are calculated using figures prior to rounding, and rounded to one decimal place.

Additional background information relating to this release is available on the background information webpage.

All the figures in this statistical summary are available in the data tables that accompany this release.

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Date of publication: 9 December 2025

Contact name: Chris Boulter

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