Percentages given additional time in Nat 5 and Higher exams over last 10 years

1) In 2025 what percentage of pupils were given additional time when sitting their national 5 exams?

2) In 2025 what percentage of pupils were given additional time when sitting their higher exams?

3) In 2025 what percentage of pupils were allowed to use a calculator during non calculator mathematics national 5 exams?

4) In 2025 what percentage of pupils were allowed to use a calculator during non calculator mathematics higher exam?

5) Has there been an increase in these numbers over the last 10 years and if so at what rates?

I recently learned that exam candidates are being allocated additional time to sit SQA exams at national 5 and higher level. This seems to be unfair and would be a misrepresentation of how candidates compete on a level playing field to achieve results during standard exams

The information is contained within the attached spreadsheet.

Assessment Arrangements exist to allow disabled learners and/or those with additional support needs to access Qualifications Scotland qualifications. By law, under the Equality Act (2010), we must make sure that disabled learners are supported to show what they can do when accessing our qualifications. Assessment arrangements make a distinction between a learner’s attainment and their ability to demonstrate that attainment under assessment conditions. They are agreed before an assessment takes place and allow disabled learners to access the assessment and demonstrate the skills, knowledge and understanding they have acquired. The law is also clear that there are situations where we should not make adjustments to our qualifications. One of the principles for Assessment Arrangements is that they 'must not compromise the integrity of the qualification' so that the standards for all learners, with or without assessment arrangements, are the same.

For more information about assessment arrangements please see our assessment arrangements guide for learners

Information sheet (12 KB)