Attainment Statistics - August 2026

Official Statistics

 

Attainment statistical summary

This document is a summary of entries and attainment on results day in August. This reflects current information at a particular point in time (22 July 2026) and the figures are subject to change later in the year due to processes including appeals and late amendments. The statistics here are therefore considered ‘provisional’.

Provisional Attainment Statistics - August 2026 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, entry figures for 2026 are presented with reference to the previous year (2025). Attainment figures for 2026 are generally presented with reference to the previous year (2025) and to 2022. The different awarding arrangements in place between 2022 and 2026 means 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.

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.

 

Qualifications included

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

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.

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 Qualifications Scotland 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 Qualifications Scotland 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 Qualifications Scotland 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 Qualifications Scotland quality assured internally assessed units in a particular subject.
Awards
(SCQF levels 1–7)		 Qualifications Scotland 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 Qualifications Scotland’s portfolio, they have been designed to recognise wider achievement. Awards require the attainment of a number of Qualifications Scotland 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 Qualifications Scotland 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 Qualifications Scotland quality assured internally assessed units in a particular subject.

 

Headline figures

National 5

  • There were 339,760 entries in 2026, an increase of 1.7% from 333,995 in 2025.
  • A to C attainment was 79.2% in 2026 (78.4% in 2025; 77.2% in 2024; 78.8% in 2023; 80.8% in 2022).
  • A attainment was 40.3% in 2026 (39.2% in 2025; 38.0% in 2024; 38.6% in 2023; 40.3% in 2022).

Higher

  • There were 207,980 entries in 2026, an increase of 2.7% from 202,490 in 2025.
  • A to C attainment was 76.7% in 2026 (75.9% in 2025; 74.9% in 2024; 77.1% in 2023; 78.9% in 2022).
  • A attainment was 30.9% in 2026 (30.8% in 2025; 30.3% in 2024; 32.8% in 2023; 34.8% in 2022).

Advanced Higher

  • There were 29,700 entries in 2026, an increase of 3.8% from 28,610 in 2025.
  • A to C attainment was 77.6% in 2026 (76.7% in 2025; 75.3% in 2024; 79.8% in 2023; 81.3% in 2022).
  • A attainment was 30.9% in 2026 (31.4% in 2025; 30.0% in 2024; 33.0% in 2023; 33.7% in 2022).

Scottish Baccalaureate

  • There were 215 entries, with a total attainment rate of 65.3% (66.1% in 2025; 71.9% in 2024; 75.7% in 2023; 72.2% in 2022).

National 2 to National 4

From 2026, National 2, National 3, and National 4 statistics present awarded counts, similarly to other ungraded qualifications. The change in presentation for National 2, National 3, National 4 and Skills for Work is set out in our annual statistical work programme.

  • There were 2,400 certificated entries for National 2 in 2026 (2,390 in 2025; 2,180 in 2024; 2,095 in 2023; 1,700 in 2022).

  • There were 27,100 certificated entries for National 3 in 2026 (27,760 in 2025; 25,110 in 2024; 18,930 in 2023; 17,255 in 2022).

  • There were 116,080 certificated entries for National 4 in 2026 (115,065 in 2025; 108,185 in 2024; 121,810 in 2023; 106,845 in 2022).

Skills for Work

  • There were 18,805 total certificated entries across all SCQF levels in 2026 (18,235 in 2025; 14,860 in 2024; 13,305 in 2023; 11,260 in 2022).

 

Entries in graded National Qualifications

In this release, entry figures for 2026 are presented with reference to the previous year (2025).

Qualification level breakdown

At National 5, there were 339,760 entries in 2026 (an increase of 1.7% from 333,995 in 2025).

At Higher, there were 207,980 entries in 2026 (an increase of 2.7% from 202,490 in 2025).

At Advanced Higher, there were 29,700 entries in 2026 (an increase of 3.8% from 28,610 in 2025).

 

Figure 1: Entries for National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher from 2022 to 2026.

 

Table 2: Entries for National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher from 2022 to 2026.
Level 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026
National 5 310,170 321,360 327,950 333,995 339,760
Higher 188,220 191,810 196,250 202,490 207,980
Advanced Higher 28,220 27,750 28,495 28,610 29,700

 

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 Applications of Mathematics, there were 30,045 entries in 2026, an increase of 8.7% from 27,655 in 2025.
  • In Biology, there were 22,285 entries in 2026, an increase of 0.9% from 22,090 in 2025.
  • In English, there were 51,110 entries in 2026, an increase of 0.9% from 50,655 in 2025.
  • In Mathematics, there were 33,770 entries in 2026, a decrease of 2.9% from 34,775 in 2025.
  • In Physical Education, there were 22,055 entries in 2026, an increase of 3.4% from 21,325 in 2025.

Note: Applications of Mathematics has shown an increase in entries year-on-year (from 14,305 in 2022 to 30,045 in 2026).

National 5 graphs
Figure 2.1: National 5 Applications of Mathematics entries from 2022 to 2026.

 

Figure 2.2: National 5 Biology entries from 2022 to 2026.

 

Figure 2.3: National 5 English entries from 2022 to 2026.

 

Figure 2.4: National 5 Mathematics entries from 2022 to 2026.

 

Figure 2.5: National 5 Physical Education entries from 2022 to 2026.

 

 

Table 3: Entries in the five most popular (largest entry) National 5 subjects from 2022 to 2026.
Subject 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026
Applications of Mathematics 14,305 19,020 24,260 27,655 30,045
Biology 22,575 22,935 22,345 22,090 22,285
English 47,720 49,000 49,925 50,655 51,110
Mathematics 38,225 37,495 36,600 34,775 33,770
Physical Education 19,180 20,020 20,350 21,325 22,055

 

Higher

  • In Business Management, there were 10,770 entries in 2026, an increase of 5.7% from 10,190 in 2025.
  • In Chemistry, there were 9,990 entries in 2026, a decrease of 1.3% from 10,120 in 2025.
  • In English, there were 38,165 entries in 2026, an increase of 2.8% from 37,130 in 2025.
  • In Mathematics, there were 19,740 entries in 2026, an increase of 0.2% from 19,705 in 2025.
  • In Physical Education, there were 13,020 entries in 2026, an increase of 2.8% from 12,660 in 2025.
Higher graphs
Figure 3.1: Higher Business Management entries from 2022 to 2026.

 

Figure 3.2: Higher Chemistry entries from 2022 to 2026.

 

Figure 3.3: Higher English entries from 2022 to 2026.

 

Figure 3.4: Higher Mathematics entries from 2022 to 2026.

 

Figure 3.5: Higher Physical Education entries from 2022 to 2026.

 

 

Table 4: Entries in the five most popular (largest entry) Higher subjects from 2022 to 2026.
Subject 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026
Business Management 8,960 8,710 9,515 10,190 10,770
Chemistry 9,565 9,685 9,900 10,120 9,990
English 34,025 35,515 36,300 37,130 38,165
Mathematics 18,010 18,705 18,480 19,705 19,740
Physical Education 11,850 11,485 11,665 12,660 13,020

 

Advanced Higher

  • In Biology, there were 3,110 entries in 2026, a decrease of 0.5% from 3,125 in 2025.
  • In Chemistry, there were 3,045 entries in 2026, an increase of 10.0% from 2,765 in 2025.
  • In English, there were 2,935 entries in 2026, a decrease of 4.7% from 3,080 in 2025.
  • In Mathematics, there were 4,770 entries in 2026, an increase of 7.0% from 4,460 in 2025.
  • In Physics, there were 2,060 entries in 2026, a decrease of 2.7% from 2,115 in 2025.
Advanced Higher graphs
Figure 4.1: Advanced Higher Biology entries from 2022 to 2026.

 

Figure 4.2: Advanced Higher Chemistry entries from 2022 to 2026.

 

Figure 4.3: Advanced Higher English entries from 2022 to 2026.

 

Figure 4.4: Advanced Higher Mathematics entries from 2022 to 2026.

 

Figure 4.5: Advanced Higher Physics entries from 2022 to 2026.

 

 

Table 5: Entries in the five most popular (largest entry) Advanced Higher subjects from 2022 to 2026.
Subject 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026
Biology 3,165 3,090 3,000 3,125 3,110
Chemistry 2,735 2,850 2,745 2,765 3,045
English 2,770 2,635 2,990 3,080 2,935
Mathematics 3,915 4,125 4,380 4,460 4,770
Physics 2,130 2,085 2,255 2,115 2,060

 

Sex breakdown

At National 5, there were 167,605 entries for female candidates in 2026 (an increase of 0.8% from 166,280 in 2025). There were 172,075 entries for male candidates (an increase of 2.6% from 167,655 in 2025).

At Higher, there were 111,415 entries for female candidates in 2026 (an increase of 2.1% from 109,090 in 2025). There were 96,520 entries for male candidates (an increase of 3.4% from 93,360 in 2025).

At Advanced Higher, there were 16,955 entries for female candidates in 2026 (an increase of 4.6% from 16,205 in 2025). There were 12,740 entries for male candidates (an increase of 2.8% from 12,390 in 2025).

Table 6: Entries by sex in graded National Qualifications from 2022 to 2026.
Level Sex 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026
National 5 Female 155,400 161,140 164,610 166,280 167,605
National 5 Male 154,695 160,140 163,290 167,655 172,075
Higher Female 101,120 103,025 106,110 109,090 111,415
Higher Male 87,010 88,710 90,075 93,360 96,520
Advanced Higher Female 15,570 15,330 15,640 16,205 16,955
Advanced Higher Male 12,645 12,400 12,845 12,390 12,740

 

Centre type breakdown

From 2022 to 2026 the majority of entries in graded National Qualifications were from education authority centres.

At National 5, there were 318,010 entries for education authority centres in 2026 (an increase of 1.8% from 312,470 in 2025) and there were 19,360 entries for independent centres (an increase of 2.0% from 18,980 in 2025). There were also 2,160 entries for further education (FE) colleges in 2026 (a decrease of 10.2% from 2,405 in 2025).

At Higher, there were 190,820 entries for education authority centres in 2026 (an increase of 3.3% from 184,790 in 2025) and there were 14,415 entries for independent centres (a decrease of 3.0% from 14,865 in 2025). There were also 2,375 entries for further education (FE) colleges in 2026 (a decrease of 8.9% from 2,605 in 2025).

At Advanced Higher, there were 25,080 entries for education authority centres in 2026 (an increase of 5.6% from 23,745 in 2025) and there were 4,450 entries for independent centres (a decrease of 5.6% from 4,720 in 2025). There were also 145 entries for further education (FE) colleges in 2026 (an increase of 6.7% from 135 in 2025).

Table 7: Entries by centre type in graded National Qualifications from 2022 to 2026.
Level Centre type 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026
National 5 Education Authority 288,785 299,710 306,280 312,470 318,010
National 5 Independent 19,015 19,180 19,095 18,980 19,360
National 5 FE College 2,325 2,410 2,500 2,405 2,160
Higher Education Authority 170,020 173,520 178,560 184,790 190,820
Higher Independent 14,585 14,845 14,775 14,865 14,415
Higher FE College 3,480 3,275 2,715 2,605 2,375
Advanced Higher Education Authority 23,430 22,810 23,365 23,745 25,080
Advanced Higher Independent 4,550 4,690 4,820 4,720 4,450
Advanced Higher FE College 75 85 120 135 145

 

Attainment in graded National Qualifications

In this section, attainment statistics for 2026 are generally presented with reference to attainment in the previous year (2025) and to 2022.

The different awarding arrangements in place between 2022 and 2026 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 from 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 2022 to 2026.
Level Grade(s) 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026
National 5 A to C 80.8% 78.8% 77.2% 78.4% 79.2%
National 5 A 40.3% 38.6% 38.0% 39.2% 40.3%
Higher A to C 78.9% 77.1% 74.9% 75.9% 76.7%
Higher A 34.8% 32.8% 30.3% 30.8% 30.9%
Advanced Higher A to C 81.3% 79.8% 75.3% 76.7% 77.6%
Advanced Higher A 33.7% 33.0% 30.0% 31.4% 30.9%

 

National 5

The overall attainment rate at grades A to C for National 5 was 79.2% in 2026. This represents an increase of 0.9 percentage points from 78.4% in 2025 and a decrease of 1.6 percentage points from 80.8% in 2022.

The overall attainment rate at grade A for National 5 was 40.3% in 2026. This represents an increase of 1.1 percentage points from 39.2% in 2025 and a decrease of 0.1 percentage points from 40.3% in 2022.

Figure 5: National 5 grade A and grades A to C attainment rates from 2022 to 2026.

 

Higher

The overall attainment rate at grades A to C for Higher was 76.7% in 2026. This represents an increase of 0.8 percentage points from 75.9% in 2025 and a decrease of 2.2 percentage points from 78.9% in 2022.

The overall attainment rate at grade A for Higher was 30.9% in 2026. This represents an increase of 0.1 percentage points from 30.8% in 2025 and a decrease of 3.9 percentage points from 34.8% in 2022.

Figure 6: Higher grade A and grades A to C attainment rates from 2022 to 2026.

 

Advanced Higher

The overall attainment rate at grades A to C for Advanced Higher was 77.6% in 2026. This represents an increase of 0.9 percentage points from 76.7% in 2025 and a decrease of 3.7 percentage points from 81.3% in 2022.

The overall attainment rate at grade A for Advanced Higher was 30.9% in 2026. This represents a decrease of 0.5 percentage points from 31.4% in 2025 and a decrease of 2.8 percentage points from 33.7% in 2022.

Figure 7: Advanced Higher grade A and grades A to C attainment rates from 2022 to 2026.

 

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 30,045 entries for National 5 Applications of Mathematics in 2026 (an increase of 8.7% from 27,655 in 2025). A total of 63.0% of grades were A to C, an increase of 1.0 percentage points from 62.1% in 2025 and a decrease of 1.7 percentage points from 64.8% in 2022. 32.0% of grades were A, an increase of 2.9 percentage points from 29.1% in 2025 and an increase of 7.0 percentage points from 25.0% in 2022.

There were 22,285 entries for National 5 Biology in 2026 (an increase of 0.9% from 22,090 in 2025). A total of 67.1% of grades were A to C, an increase of 1.5 percentage points from 65.7% in 2025 and a decrease of 4.8 percentage points from 71.9% in 2022. 33.2% of grades were A, an increase of 4.5 percentage points from 28.8% in 2025 and an increase of 0.7 percentage points from 32.6% in 2022.

There were 51,110 entries for National 5 English in 2026 (an increase of 0.9% from 50,655 in 2025). A total of 87.2% of grades were A to C, an increase of 1.5 percentage points from 85.6% in 2025 and a decrease of 0.5 percentage points from 87.6% in 2022. 40.7% of grades were A, an increase of 0.2 percentage points from 40.5% in 2025 and a decrease of 0.7 percentage points from 41.5% in 2022.

There were 33,770 entries for National 5 Mathematics in 2026 (a decrease of 2.9% from 34,775 in 2025). A total of 70.6% of grades were A to C, an increase of 1.3 percentage points from 69.3% in 2025 and an increase of 0.9 percentage points from 69.7% in 2022. 40.3% of grades were A, an increase of 0.7 percentage points from 39.7% in 2025 and an increase of 3.5 percentage points from 36.8% in 2022.

There were 22,055 entries for National 5 Physical Education in 2026 (an increase of 3.4% from 21,325 in 2025). A total of 96.2% of grades were A to C, an increase of 0.3 percentage points from 96.0% in 2025 and an increase of 0.1 percentage points from 96.1% in 2022. 50.1% of grades were A, an increase of 2.2 percentage points from 47.8% in 2025 and a decrease of 4.5 percentage points from 54.5% in 2022.

 

National 5 graphs
Figure 8.1: National 5 Applications of Mathematics grade A and grades A to C attainment rates from 2022 to 2026.

 

Figure 8.2: National 5 Biology grade A and grades A to C attainment rates from 2022 to 2026.

 

Figure 8.3: National 5 English grade A and grades A to C attainment rates from 2022 to 2026.

 

Figure 8.4: National 5 Mathematics grade A and grades A to C attainment rates from 2022 to 2026.

 

Figure 8.5: National 5 Physical Education grade A and grades A to C attainment rates from 2022 to 2026.

 

 

Table 9: Summary of attainment for selected National 5 subjects from 2022 to 2026.
Subject Grade(s) 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026
Applications of Mathematics A to C 64.8% 61.9% 59.3% 62.1% 63.0%
Biology A to C 71.9% 72.9% 64.5% 65.7% 67.1%
English A to C 87.6% 86.3% 84.3% 85.6% 87.2%
Mathematics A to C 69.7% 62.4% 68.1% 69.3% 70.6%
Physical Education A to C 96.1% 95.2% 94.9% 96.0% 96.2%
Applications of Mathematics A 25.0% 25.2% 25.6% 29.1% 32.0%
Biology A 32.6% 34.2% 28.0% 28.8% 33.2%
English A 41.5% 39.8% 37.1% 40.5% 40.7%
Mathematics A 36.8% 28.3% 39.8% 39.7% 40.3%
Physical Education A 54.5% 54.3% 47.6% 47.8% 50.1%

 

Higher

There were 10,770 entries for Higher Business Management in 2026 (an increase of 5.7% from 10,190 in 2025). A total of 75.1% of grades were A to C, a decrease of 1.1 percentage points from 76.2% in 2025 and a decrease of 6.4 percentage points from 81.6% in 2022. 33.8% of grades were A, a decrease of 0.8 percentage points from 34.6% in 2025 and a decrease of 9.7 percentage points from 43.5% in 2022.

There were 9,990 entries for Higher Chemistry in 2026 (a decrease of 1.3% from 10,120 in 2025). A total of 75.9% of grades were A to C, a decrease of 0.2 percentage points from 76.1% in 2025 and a decrease of 2.4 percentage points from 78.3% in 2022. 32.9% of grades were A, an increase of 0.9 percentage points from 32.0% in 2025 and a decrease of 2.0 percentage points from 34.9% in 2022.

There were 38,165 entries for Higher English in 2026 (an increase of 2.8% from 37,130 in 2025). A total of 75.9% of grades were A to C, an increase of 2.4 percentage points from 73.5% in 2025 and a decrease of 4.2 percentage points from 80.1% in 2022. 25.8% of grades were A, an increase of 2.2 percentage points from 23.6% in 2025 and a decrease of 3.1 percentage points from 29.0% in 2022.

There were 19,740 entries for Higher Mathematics in 2026 (an increase of 0.2% from 19,705 in 2025). A total of 73.6% of grades were A to C, a decrease of 0.3 percentage points from 73.9% in 2025 and a decrease of 1.7 percentage points from 75.3% in 2022. 37.6% of grades were A, a decrease of 3.6 percentage points from 41.2% in 2025 and a decrease of 8.3 percentage points from 45.9% in 2022.

There were 13,020 entries for Higher Physical Education in 2026 (an increase of 2.8% from 12,660 in 2025). A total of 86.2% of grades were A to C, a decrease of 0.1 percentage points from 86.4% in 2025 and a decrease of 1.6 percentage points from 87.8% in 2022. 21.5% of grades were A, a decrease of 2.9 percentage points from 24.4% in 2025 and a decrease of 8.7 percentage points from 30.2% in 2022.

Higher graphs
Figure 9.1: Higher Business Management grade A and grades A to C attainment rates from 2022 to 2026.

 

Figure 9.2: Higher Chemistry grade A and grades A to C attainment rates from 2022 to 2026.

 

Figure 9.3: Higher English grade A and grades A to C attainment rates from 2022 to 2026.

 

Figure 9.4: Higher Mathematics grade A and grades A to C attainment rates from 2022 to 2026.

 

Figure 9.5: Higher Physical Education grade A and grades A to C attainment rates from 2022 to 2026.

 

 

Table 10: Summary of attainment for selected Higher subjects from 2022 to 2026.
Subject Grade(s) 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026
Business Management A to C 81.6% 77.8% 78.5% 76.2% 75.1%
Chemistry A to C 78.3% 77.8% 74.3% 76.1% 75.9%
English A to C 80.1% 75.9% 74.6% 73.5% 75.9%
Mathematics A to C 75.3% 73.2% 72.7% 73.9% 73.6%
Physical Education A to C 87.8% 88.0% 86.7% 86.4% 86.2%
Business Management A 43.5% 37.6% 35.3% 34.6% 33.8%
Chemistry A 34.9% 32.6% 29.7% 32.0% 32.9%
English A 29.0% 26.9% 26.5% 23.6% 25.8%
Mathematics A 45.9% 38.9% 40.4% 41.2% 37.6%
Physical Education A 30.2% 32.8% 27.2% 24.4% 21.5%

 

Advanced Higher

There were 3,110 entries for Advanced Higher Biology in 2026 (a decrease of 0.5% from 3,125 in 2025). A total of 66.1% of grades were A to C, an increase of 1.7 percentage points from 64.4% in 2025 and a decrease of 9.2 percentage points from 75.3% in 2022. 19.7% of grades were A, an increase of 2.5 percentage points from 17.2% in 2025 and a decrease of 4.8 percentage points from 24.5% in 2022.

There were 3,045 entries for Advanced Higher Chemistry in 2026 (an increase of 10.0% from 2,765 in 2025). A total of 74.7% of grades were A to C, a decrease of 2.5 percentage points from 77.2% in 2025 and a decrease of 7.3 percentage points from 82.0% in 2022. 27.8% of grades were A, a decrease of 2.2 percentage points from 30.0% in 2025 and a decrease of 4.8 percentage points from 32.6% in 2022.

There were 2,935 entries for Advanced Higher English in 2026 (a decrease of 4.7% from 3,080 in 2025). A total of 84.5% of grades were A to C, an increase of 8.5 percentage points from 76.0% in 2025 and an increase of 0.6 percentage points from 84.0% in 2022. 23.6% of grades were A, an increase of 3.4 percentage points from 20.2% in 2025 and a decrease of 4.3 percentage points from 27.9% in 2022.

There were 4,770 entries for Advanced Higher Mathematics in 2026 (an increase of 7.0% from 4,460 in 2025). A total of 72.9% of grades were A to C, an increase of 0.5 percentage points from 72.4% in 2025 and a decrease of 4.4 percentage points from 77.3% in 2022. 41.3% of grades were A, an increase of 0.0 percentage points from 41.3% in 2025 and an increase of 2.7 percentage points from 38.7% in 2022.

There were 2,060 entries for Advanced Higher Physics in 2026 (a decrease of 2.7% from 2,115 in 2025). A total of 74.6% of grades were A to C, an increase of 1.6 percentage points from 73.0% in 2025 and a decrease of 6.2 percentage points from 80.8% in 2022. 27.3% of grades were A, an increase of 0.5 percentage points from 26.8% in 2025 and a decrease of 8.9 percentage points from 36.2% in 2022.

Advanced Higher graphs
Figure 10.1: Advanced Higher Biology grade A and grades A to C attainment rates from 2022 to 2026.

 

Figure 10.2: Advanced Higher Chemistry grade A and grades A to C attainment rates from 2022 to 2026.

 

Figure 10.3: Advanced Higher English grade A and grades A to C attainment rates from 2022 to 2026.

 

Figure 10.4: Advanced Higher Mathematics grade A and grades A to C attainment rates from 2022 to 2026.

 

Figure 10.5: Advanced Higher Physics grade A and grades A to C attainment rates from 2022 to 2026.

 

 

Table 11: Summary of attainment for selected Advanced Higher subjects from 2022 to 2026.
Subject Grade(s) 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026
Biology A to C 75.3% 74.4% 66.8% 64.4% 66.1%
Chemistry A to C 82.0% 78.7% 70.9% 77.2% 74.7%
English A to C 84.0% 78.7% 70.9% 76.0% 84.5%
Mathematics A to C 77.3% 76.0% 70.2% 72.4% 72.9%
Physics A to C 80.8% 79.3% 72.9% 73.0% 74.6%
Biology A 24.5% 24.5% 17.5% 17.2% 19.7%
Chemistry A 32.6% 27.2% 26.8% 30.0% 27.8%
English A 27.9% 24.5% 18.1% 20.2% 23.6%
Mathematics A 38.7% 38.1% 39.1% 41.3% 41.3%
Physics A 36.2% 32.4% 24.3% 26.8% 27.3%

 

Sex breakdown

National 5

At grades A to C, the attainment rate increased for both female and male candidates in 2026 compared to 2025. 80.9% of female candidate grades at National 5 were A to C in 2026, an increase of 0.5 percentage points from 80.4% in 2025 and a decrease of 1.5 percentage points from 82.5% in 2022. 77.5% of male candidate grades at National 5 were A to C in 2026, an increase of 1.2 percentage points from 76.3% in 2025 and a decrease of 1.7 percentage points from 79.2% in 2022.

At grade A, the attainment rate increased for both female and male candidates in 2026 compared to 2025. 44.7% of female candidate grades at National 5 were A to C in 2026, an increase of 1.1 percentage points from 43.6% in 2025 and an increase of 0.5 percentage points from 44.2% in 2022. 36.0% of male candidate grades at National 5 were A to C in 2026, an increase of 1.3 percentage points from 34.7% in 2025 and a decrease of 0.5 percentage points from 36.4% in 2022.

National 5 graphs
Figure 11.1: A to C attainment rates by sex for National 5 from 2022 to 2026.

 

Figure 11.2: A attainment rates by sex for National 5 from 2022 to 2026.

 

 

Table 12: Summary of attainment for National 5 qualifications from 2022 to 2026 by sex.
Sex Grade(s) 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026
Female A to C 82.5% 80.6% 79.4% 80.4% 80.9%
Male A to C 79.2% 76.9% 75.1% 76.3% 77.5%
Female A 44.2% 42.4% 42.6% 43.6% 44.7%
Male A 36.4% 34.8% 33.3% 34.7% 36.0%

 

Higher

At grades A to C, the attainment rate increased for both female and male candidates in 2026 compared to 2025. 79.0% of female candidate grades at Higher were A to C in 2026, an increase of 0.6 percentage points from 78.4% in 2025 and a decrease of 2.1 percentage points from 81.1% in 2022. 74.0% of male candidate grades at Higher were A to C in 2026, an increase of 1.0 percentage points from 73.0% in 2025 and a decrease of 2.4 percentage points from 76.4% in 2022.

At grade A, the attainment rate decreased for female candidates and increased for male candidates in 2026 compared to 2025. 33.9% of female candidate grades at Higher were A to C in 2026, a decrease of 0.2 percentage points from 34.1% in 2025 and a decrease of 4.0 percentage points from 37.9% in 2022. 27.4% of male candidate grades at Higher were A to C in 2026, an increase of 0.4 percentage points from 27.0% in 2025 and a decrease of 3.8 percentage points from 31.2% in 2022.

Higher graphs
Figure 12.1: A to C attainment rates by sex for Higher from 2022 to 2026.

 

Figure 12.2: A attainment rates by sex for Higher from 2022 to 2026.

 

 

Table 13: Summary of attainment for Higher qualifications from 2022 to 2026 by sex.
Sex Grade(s) 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026
Female A to C 81.1% 79.5% 77.7% 78.4% 79.0%
Male A to C 76.4% 74.3% 71.5% 73.0% 74.0%
Female A 37.9% 35.4% 33.2% 34.1% 33.9%
Male A 31.2% 29.8% 26.9% 27.0% 27.4%

 

Advanced Higher

At grades A to C, the attainment rate increased for both female and male candidates in 2026 compared to 2025. 80.3% of female candidate grades at Advanced Higher were A to C in 2026, an increase of 1.3 percentage points from 79.1% in 2025 and a decrease of 3.5 percentage points from 83.9% in 2022. 73.9% of male candidate grades at Advanced Higher were A to C in 2026, an increase of 0.4 percentage points from 73.5% in 2025 and a decrease of 4.2 percentage points from 78.1% in 2022.

At grade A, the attainment rate decreased for both female and male candidates in 2026 compared to 2025. 31.3% of female candidate grades at Advanced Higher were A to C in 2026, a decrease of 0.3 percentage points from 31.6% in 2025 and a decrease of 3.3 percentage points from 34.6% in 2022. 30.4% of male candidate grades at Advanced Higher were A to C in 2026, a decrease of 0.7 percentage points from 31.1% in 2025 and a decrease of 2.2 percentage points from 32.6% in 2022.

Advanced Higher graphs
Figure 13.1: A to C attainment rates by sex for Advanced Higher from 2022 to 2026.

 

Figure 13.2: A attainment rates by sex for Advanced Higher from 2022 to 2026.

 

 

Table 14: Summary of attainment for Advanced Higher qualifications from 2022 to 2026 by sex.
Sex Grade(s) 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026
Female A to C 83.9% 82.2% 78.1% 79.1% 80.3%
Male A to C 78.1% 76.8% 71.8% 73.5% 73.9%
Female A 34.6% 33.8% 30.2% 31.6% 31.3%
Male A 32.6% 31.9% 29.7% 31.1% 30.4%

 

Centre type breakdown

Over time, attainment rates are higher for independent centres than education authority centres, and this continued to be the case in 2026.

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 78.4% in 2026, an increase of 0.9 percentage points from 77.4% in 2025 and a decrease of 1.6 percentage points from 80.0% in 2022. At grade A, the attainment rate was 38.4% in education authority centres in 2026, an increase of 1.2 percentage points from 37.2% in 2025 and an increase of 0.2 percentage points from 38.2% in 2022.

In independent centres, the A to C attainment rate was 94.3% in 2026, a decrease of 0.6 percentage points from 94.8% in 2025 and a decrease of 1.2 percentage points from 95.5% in 2022. At grade A, the attainment rate was 72.1% in independent centres in 2026, a decrease of 1.1 percentage points from 73.3% in 2025 and a decrease of 1.9 percentage points from 74.0% in 2022.

In FE colleges, the A to C attainment rate was 69.8% in 2026, an increase of 2.4 percentage points from 67.4% in 2025 and a decrease of 0.9 percentage points from 70.7% in 2022. At grade A, the attainment rate was 31.5% in further education (FE) colleges in 2026, an increase of 3.8 percentage points from 27.6% in 2025 and an increase of 1.3 percentage points from 30.2% in 2022.

Table 15: Summary of attainment for National 5 qualifications from 2022 to 2026 by centre type.
Centre type Grade(s) 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026
Education Authority A to C 80.0% 77.8% 76.2% 77.4% 78.4%
Independent A to C 95.5% 94.8% 94.6% 94.8% 94.3%
FE College A to C 70.7% 69.3% 70.5% 67.4% 69.8%
Education Authority A 38.2% 36.6% 35.8% 37.2% 38.4%
Independent A 74.0% 71.5% 72.6% 73.3% 72.1%
FE College A 30.2% 28.1% 32.8% 27.6% 31.5%

 

Higher

In education authority centres, the A to C attainment rate was 75.7% in 2026, an increase of 0.9 percentage points from 74.8% in 2025 and a decrease of 2.3 percentage points from 78.0% in 2022. At grade A, the attainment rate was 28.8% in education authority centres in 2026, an increase of 0.1 percentage points from 28.7% in 2025 and a decrease of 4.0 percentage points from 32.8% in 2022.

In independent centres, the A to C attainment rate was 92.3% in 2026, an increase of 0.5 percentage points from 91.9% in 2025 and a decrease of 1.0 percentage points from 93.4% in 2022. At grade A, the attainment rate was 59.4% in independent centres in 2026, an increase of 1.4 percentage points from 58.0% in 2025 and a decrease of 2.6 percentage points from 62.0% in 2022.

In FE colleges, the A to C attainment rate was 66.3% in 2026, an increase of 0.7 percentage points from 65.6% in 2025 and an increase of 0.8 percentage points from 65.5% in 2022. At grade A, the attainment rate was 26.1% in further education (FE) colleges in 2026, an increase of 2.2 percentage points from 23.9% in 2025 and an increase of 5.7 percentage points from 20.4% in 2022.

Table 16: Summary of attainment for Higher qualifications from 2022 to 2026 by centre type.
Centre type Grade(s) 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026
Education Authority A to C 78.0% 75.9% 73.6% 74.8% 75.7%
Independent A to C 93.4% 93.2% 92.3% 91.9% 92.3%
FE College A to C 65.5% 66.4% 63.6% 65.6% 66.3%
Education Authority A 32.8% 30.6% 28.1% 28.7% 28.8%
Independent A 62.0% 60.8% 58.7% 58.0% 59.4%
FE College A 20.4% 23.4% 23.0% 23.9% 26.1%

 

Advanced Higher

In education authority centres, the A to C attainment rate was 75.0% in 2026, an increase of 1.2 percentage points from 73.8% in 2025 and a decrease of 4.1 percentage points from 79.2% in 2022. At grade A, the attainment rate was 26.6% in education authority centres in 2026, a decrease of 0.2 percentage points from 26.8% in 2025 and a decrease of 3.0 percentage points from 29.6% in 2022.

In independent centres, the A to C attainment rate was 91.7% in 2026, an increase of 1.1 percentage points from 90.6% in 2025 and a decrease of 0.2 percentage points from 91.9% in 2022. At grade A, the attainment rate was 54.2% in independent centres in 2026, an increase of 0.7 percentage points from 53.4% in 2025 and a decrease of 0.2 percentage points from 54.3% in 2022.

In FE colleges, the A to C attainment rate was 83.9% in 2026, a decrease of 3.4 percentage points from 87.3% in 2025 and a decrease of 5.6 percentage points from 89.5% in 2022. At grade A, the attainment rate was 55.9% in further education (FE) colleges in 2026, a decrease of 6.7 percentage points from 62.7% in 2025 and a decrease of 0.6 percentage points from 56.6% in 2022.

Table 17: Summary of attainment for Advanced Higher qualifications from 2022 to 2026 by centre type.
Centre type Grade(s) 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026
Education Authority A to C 79.2% 77.2% 72.2% 73.8% 75.0%
Independent A to C 91.9% 92.5% 89.5% 90.6% 91.7%
FE College A to C 89.5% 83.1% 85.8% 87.3% 83.9%
Education Authority A 29.6% 28.4% 25.6% 26.8% 26.6%
Independent A 54.3% 54.3% 50.1% 53.4% 54.2%
FE College A 56.6% 51.8% 57.5% 62.7% 55.9%

 

Scottish Baccalaureate

Entries for the Scottish Baccalaureate remained small and stable in 2026. 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 2022 to 2026.
Year Entries Number of Pass Percentage of Pass Number of Distinction Percentage of Distinction
2022 160 115 72.2% 70 45.6%
2023 175 130 75.7% 80 45.7%
2024 140 100 71.9% 60 41.7%
2025 175 115 66.1% 65 37.3%
2026 215 140 65.3% 80 37.0%

 

Ungraded National Courses

National 2, National 3, and National 4 courses are all ungraded.

Our previous statistical summaries and tables contained an attainment rate for these courses (referred to as ‘Percentage Attained’) which was based on entries which resulted in a pass. However, these are a flexible provision and are not necessarily completed in a single academic year by candidates. Consequently, attainment rates were not directly comparable with other courses.

From 2026, we are presenting National 2, National 3, and National 4 similarly to other ungraded qualifications as set out in our annual statistical work programme.

National 2

There were 2,400 certificated entries for National 2 in 2026.

Table 19: Summary of certificated entries for National 2 qualifications from 2022 to 2026.
Qualification 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026
National 2 1,700 2,095 2,180 2,390 2,400

 

National 3

There were 27,100 certificated entries for National 3 in 2026.

Table 20: Summary of certificated entries for National 3 qualifications from 2022 to 2026.
Qualification 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026
National 3 17,255 18,930 25,110 27,760 27,100

 

National 4

There were 116,080 certificated entries for National 4 in 2026.

Table 21: Summary of certificated entries for National 4 qualifications from 2022 to 2026.
Qualification 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026
National 4 106,845 121,810 108,185 115,065 116,080

 

Skills for Work

Our previous statistical summaries and tables contained an attainment rate for these qualifications (referred to as ‘Percentage Attained’) which was based on entries which resulted in a pass. Skills for Work courses are a flexible provision and are not necessarily completed in a single academic year by candidates. Consequently, attainment rates were not directly comparable with other courses.

From 2026, we are presenting Skills for Work similarly to other ungraded qualifications as set out in our annual statistical work programme.

Table 22: Summary of certificated entries for Skills for Work qualifications from 2022 to 2026.
Qualification 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026
Skills for Work 11,260 13,305 14,860 18,235 18,805

 

Awards, National Certificates and National Progression Awards

Attainment statistics for Awards, National Progression Awards and National Certificates detail the number of certificated entries between 1 August and 30 June each year.

Overall, the combined attainment volume for Awards, National Certificates, and National Progression Awards is at the highest in 2026 over the period ranging from 2022 to 2026. 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 2022 to 2026.
SCQF Level Qualification 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026
SCQF1 Award 220 290 335 425 455
SCQF2 Award 625 515 970 800 710
SCQF2 National Progression Award 55 105 105 65 85
SCQF3 Award 3,480 2,830 3,635 4,080 3,855
SCQF3 National Certificate 0 0 15 5 5
SCQF3 National Progression Award 125 110 275 325 270
SCQF4 Award 9,660 10,740 13,320 15,030 16,185
SCQF4 National Certificate 70 95 155 90 100
SCQF4 National Progression Award 4,500 5,215 5,555 6,205 6,695
SCQF5 Award 9,605 11,210 14,230 18,010 21,120
SCQF5 National Certificate 1,435 1,050 1,705 2,060 1,315
SCQF5 National Progression Award 7,865 9,930 11,975 16,815 18,850
SCQF6 Award 5,865 7,105 8,585 9,840 11,395
SCQF6 National Certificate 2,385 1,410 2,855 3,300 2,450
SCQF6 National Progression Award 7,095 8,210 11,450 15,040 18,130
SCQF7 Award 0 0 15 55 60

 

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Date of publication: 4 August 2026

Contact name: Chris Boulter

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