The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) has confirmed today that changes to the way National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher are assessed, that take into account disruption to learning caused by the global pandemic, will remain in place for the next academic year.
School pupils and college students across Scotland are preparing to sit their Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) National 5, Higher and Advanced Highers this week as the first exams in three years get underway.
We engaged positively with Professor Muir throughout his review, and so we were disappointed by the evidence given to the Education Committee.
9 March 2022 - SQA response to the Scottish Government statement on education reform.
The First Minister's announcement on 19 January 2021 confirmed that remote learning will continue until at least mid-February. Given this announcement the National Qualifications 2021 Group is overseeing changes to the alternative certification model and associated timeline that was announced in December
A contingency arrangement for centres to submit provisional results by noon on 3 September 2021. This arrangement will apply if learners have not been able to complete all the required assessment by 25 June.
SQA has published a consultation on the appeals process for 2021 National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher courses.
Further to its latest update published on Tuesday 13 April 2021, the National Qualifications 2021 Group* is acutely aware that the extended lockdown between January and March has created a truncated window for the production of evidence to support professional judgement around provisional grades. In some instances, this challenge may be compounded by individual learners being required to self-isolate during the post-Easter period.
With the publication of the new appeals process which, for the first time, gives students the right to appeal directly - and for free - to the Scottish Qualifications Authority, our Chief Executive and Scotland's Chief Examiner, Fiona Robertson reflects on this exceptional year in Scottish education.
The National Qualifications 2021 Group developed the Alternative Certification Model (ACM) and has continued to revise it in light of the second period of lockdown and remote learning. We want to reassure students that everyone in Scottish education is working hard on their behalf to ensure that the ACM allows learners to achieve fair and credible grades, with every step possible being taken to ensure young people's wellbeing is protected through the process.
The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) today announces a free appeals service, available directly to learners for the first time, covering this year's National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher qualifications.
The post-Easter term will be a busy and challenging one for everyone as we move into stage two of the alternative certification model and look to gather learner evidence in the classroom environment as fairly and robustly as possible. Many learners, parents and carers will have questions and will be looking for guidance and support. To help with this, we have summarised the key elements of this stage of the model.
This Scottish Apprenticeship Week, find out how SQA approached the recruitment of Modern Apprentices over the past year.
We thank you for your continued support and wish you and your families a safe and happy festive season.
Information on the approach agreed by the HNVQ 2021 Group for alternative assessment in 2020-21 for Higher National and Vocational Qualifications
Following the First Minister's announcement on 16 February 2021, the National Qualifications Group has shared revised arrangements for the Alternative Certification Model and the timeline for delivering National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher results in session 2020-21. Further information about the Appeals service for 2021 will be available following consultation.
What we've published to support learners with revision for the 2022 exam diet.
An apprenticeship model which will see trainee pharmacy technicians work towards an SQA qualification, has been announced by NHS Education for Scotland (NES).
The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) has confirmed that a package of support services – including some further help with exam revision – will be available for learners who are taking National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher courses in 2022.
Applications are now open for young people to join SQA as a Modern Apprentice.
As the new term progresses, SQA is acutely aware of the impact the pandemic continues to have on learning and teaching as well as on learners’ experience of working towards National Qualifications in 2021-22.
In accordance with Coronavirus (Extension and Expiry) (Scotland) Act 2021, we give notice that publication of our report required under the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 Part 1 Section 2 will be delayed until 31 March 2022.
The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) has written to schools, colleges and training providers delivering National Qualifications, restating its contingency plans for examinations in 2022.
SQA today published statistics for its Appeals Service for the 2020-21 academic year.
The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) has outlined its vision for improving opportunities and life chances for learners through the creation of its successor organisation.
Following the decision by Ministers that exams should go ahead in 2022 if it is safe to do so, SQA is continuing to monitor public health advice to prepare for a range of scenarios.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has today published its paper on senior phase assessment in Scotland.
SQA has today set out the key detail on plans for assessment of National Qualifications in 2021-22. This follows confirmation from the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills that exams will be held for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses.
Together with Who Cares? Scotland and MCR Pathways, we have created a video message celebrating the achievements of candidates.
SQA announces the results for National 5s, Highers and Advanced Highers, and other courses, certificates, and awards, for 2021.
Fiona Robertson, SQA Chief Executive, and Scotland's Chief Examining Officer thanks teachers, lecturers, and support staff across Scotland for their dedication ahead of Results Day
Update from the National Qualifications 2021 Group celebrating learners' achievements ahead of Results Day.
We want to provide a short update on the work we are doing with our partners to make appropriate arrangements for the delivery of National Qualifications, and Higher National and Vocational Qualifications, in session 2021-22.
Later today, our service for receiving provisional results from schools, colleges and training providers across Scotland will close. This marks stage 4 of the alternative certification model for 2021 and will bring the total number of National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher entries to over 520,000.
Fiona Robertson, SQA's Chief Executive, has responded to the publication of the OECD report.
SQA response to the open letter received from a range of signatories.
