Higher English
Course Specification (13/09/2023)
Explains the structure of the course, including its purpose and aims and information on the skills, knowledge and understanding that will be developed.
- Higher English course specification
September 2023
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).
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
- Higher English Critical Reading question paper
- Higher English Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation question paper
- Higher English Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation text
- Higher English Critical Reading marking instructions
- Higher English Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation marking instructions
Coursework (22/09/2023)
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 (13/06/2023)
Examples of candidate evidence with commentaries
Course assessment overview
English webinar (changes to course assessment academic session 2018-19 onwards)
- Download webinar (72.21 MB)
Higher English performance - spoken language Understanding Standards materials
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
Please note: Additional resources published during sessions 2020-2022 are currently under review. Further information can be found on the Understanding Standards Website.
Course reports (14/09/2023)
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
- 2023 Higher English Course Report
September 2023 - 2022 Higher English Course Report
September 2022 - 2019 Higher English Course Report
September 2019 - 2018 Higher English Course Report
August 2018 - 2017 Higher English Course Report
October 2017
Verification Reports
In 2019, a single qualification verification summary report replaced the verification key messages.
Scottish Texts in English Courses
Scottish text list for National 5 and Higher English courses.
In 2016, we carried out a consultation with teachers and other key stakeholders on the refresh of the Scottish set text list for National 5 and Higher English courses. Based on the findings of this consultation, we have refreshed the Scottish set text list for use from session 2018-19 onwards. The report below details the findings of our consultation.
Ushare open learning resources
Related Information
Contact Information
- Candidate Enquiries
- General Enquiries
- 0345 279 1000
- Centre Enquiries
- 0303 333 0330