National 5 English
Course Specification (27/05/24)
Explains the structure of the course, including its purpose and aims and information on the skills, knowledge and understanding that will be developed.
- N5 English Course Specification May 2024
Past Papers and Marking Instructions
Access all past papers by subject/level
Additional question papers resources
Illustrates the standard, structure and requirements of the question papers candidates will sit (includes marking instructions).
- English: Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation Specimen Question Paper National 5 June 2018
- English: Critical Reading Specimen Question Paper National 5
October 2018
2021
There were no exams in 2021. The 2020-21 question paper resources are, for most subjects, modified papers which reflect the modifications put in place for session 2020-21
Coursework (27/05/24)
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
Information on the production and submission of SQA-assessed coursework for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher.
- Coursework for External Assessment (261 KB)
Understanding Standards (10/03/2025)
Examples of candidate evidence with commentaries
Audio Presentation
- Overview of Course Assessment (2 minutes)
- Overview of Question Paper (4 minutes)
Spoken Language materials
February 2025 - The 2017 Spoken Language candidate evidence and commentaries have been moved from the Understanding standards Website (login required area) to the SQA Secure site (login required) please speak to your SQA 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.
Additional Resources session 2020-22
Further information can be found on the Understanding Standards Website.
Course reports (23/9/24)
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
- 2024 National 5 English course report September 2024
- 2023 National 5 English course report September 2023
- 2022 National 5 English course report September 2022
Verification Reports
Course support (26/03/2025)
Scottish texts in English courses
Scottish text list for National 5 and Higher English courses (valid from session 2025-26)
Scottish text list for National 5 and Higher English courses (valid for session 2024-25)
- Scottish set text list 2024-25 (40 KB)