Higher English

Course Specification (22/09/2025)

Explains the structure of the course, including its purpose and aims and information on the skills, knowledge and understanding that will be developed.

Past Papers and Marking Instructions

Access all past papers by subject/level


Specimen question paper

Illustrates the standard, structure and requirements of the question papers candidates will sit (includes marking instructions).

Session 2026-27 onwards

Session 2025-26

Coursework (27/05/2024)

This section provides information on marking instructions and/or the coursework assessment task(s). It includes information that centres need to administer coursework and must be read in conjunction with the course specification.

Instructions

Template

Task

Understanding Standards (30/06/2026)

Examples of candidate evidence with commentaries

Audio Presentation

Performance - Spoken Language Understanding Standards materials

February 2025 - The 2017 Spoken Language candidate evidence and commentaries have been moved from the Understanding standards Website (login required area) to the Secure site (login required) please speak to your co-ordinator to access these materials.

Changes to Understanding Standards materials

Please note: Understanding Standards materials are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain up to date.

Course reports (09/07/2026)

Provides information on the performance of candidates - which is useful to teachers, lecturers and assessors in their preparation of candidates for future assessment.

Course Reports

Verification Reports

English: Quality Assurance - external verification

Course support (21/01/2026)

Scottish set texts including resources

Ushare open learning resources