Recent SQA research
Learner and Educator Views on Proposed Changes to the Higher Drama Question Paper
This research captures the views of learners and educators on the proposed changes to the Higher Drama question paper, for session 2025-26 onwards.
- Research report
- Technical summary
- Research summary
Published June 2025
Working towards a Definition of Work-based Learning – an Evidence Paper
This evidence paper was developed to inform our engagement with internal and external stakeholders to shape our model of work-based learning, as part of our work-based learning strategy.
The paper provides context to our work by summarising academic literature on work-based learning and how it is defined in different countries. It also analyses the purpose and benefits of work-based learning and how this is changing in today's digital world.
The paper sets out our approach to engaging with stakeholders and how this was informed by the literature. It then reports on the results of our engagement and how this fed back into our overall strategy and the development of our model of work-based learning.
- Definition of work-based learning - evidence paper
Published June 2025
Evaluation of the 2024 approach to assessment of National Courses
The research findings, together with our engagement with the education community, will inform our work on qualification reform, as part of the Scottish Government’s education reform programme.
- 2024 evaluation reports
Published June 2025
Generative Artificial Intelligence and Learners with Additional Support Needs: Literature Review
The literature review gives an overview of recently published primary research conducted into how artificial intelligence tools have been used to support learners with additional support needs.
- Generative Artificial Intelligence and Learners with Additional Support Needs: Literature Review
Published March 2025
Evaluation of the 2024 Access to Marked Exam Paper trial
The evaluation of the 2024 Access to Marked Exam Paper trial was designed to enable further development of the service and evidence-based policy development.
- Evaluation of the 2024 Access to Marked Exam Paper trial
Published March 2025
Review into the removal of question paper from practical subjects
As a first step towards reviewing assessment in National Courses, in early 2024 we conducted research with teachers and lecturers to explore whether we should remove question papers (exams) from some practical subjects.
- Review into the removal of question paper from practical subjects
Published March 2025
Generative AI Consultation Results - survey and focus groups
The publication of the report findings informed our current position on candidates’ use of GenAI in assessments
- Generative AI Consultation
Published February 2025
Assessment Arrangements in External Assessments
Understanding the experiences of centres, local authorities, parent/carers and learners - assessment arrangements provide disabled learners and/or those with additional support needs with access to appropriate support to complete SQA’s external assessments,
- Assessment Arrangements in External Assessments
Published November 2024
National Standards Research Report
The report outlines findings on how practitioners, senior staff, and qualifications managers engage with and understand the National Standards in education.
- National Standards research report
Published July 2024
Evaluation of the 2023 Approach to Assessment of Graded National Courses
Learners and practitioners across Scotland took part in our evaluation of how National 5, Higher and Advanced Highers were awarded in 2023.
- 2023 evaluation reports
Published March 2024
Approach to Assessment of Graded National Courses 2022
Thousands of learners and educators across Scotland took part in our evaluation of how National 5, Higher and Advanced Highers were awarded in 2022.
- Explore the 2022 evaluation reports
Published June 2023
Evaluation of the 2021 Alternative Certification Model
The 2021 Alternative Certification Model (ACM) was adopted to support learning, teaching and assessment following the cancellation of exams on public health grounds. Alongside academic partners we carried out research to find out how it worked in practice.
- Explore the 2021 ACM evaluation strands
Published September 2022
Education reform in Scotland - 2021
In 2021, we conducted two pieces of research to contribute towards the national discussion and evidence base around education reform in Scotland.
- Read the two research reports
Published March 2022
Appeals 2021
- Research into international comparators for UNCRC and appeals (470 KB)
- SQA appeals consultation analysis (686 KB)
Published January 2021
Employers and qualifications 2021
- Research with users of qualifications (employers, HE/ FE) (361 KB)
Published February 2021
Research archive
Related Information
SQA Code of Research Practice
Statistical reports for SQA qualifications