Students across Scotland received their exam results on Tuesday. The pass rates for exams in Scotland have experienced a decline, although they remain higher than pre-Covid levels.
More than 144,000 young individuals across Scotland are receiving their grades for National 4s and 5s, Highers, and Advanced Highers.
The percentage of students achieving an A, B, or C at the Higher level has dropped from 78.9% in 2022 and 89.3% in 2020 to 77.1% this year. In 2019, the pass rate was 74.8%.
Similar trends were observed for National 4s and 5s and for Advanced Highers.
The pass rate for National 5 qualifications reached 78.8%, a decrease from 80.8% in 2022 and 85.8% in 2021, but an improvement from 78.2% in 2019.
At the Advanced Higher level, 79.8% achieved a pass, down from 81.3% in 2022 and 93.1% in 2020. The pass rate stood at 79.4% in 2019.
The Scottish Conservatives highlighted that the gap in achievement between students from the most and least deprived areas of the country had expanded.
According to the party, the National 5 pass figure now rests at 15.6%, marking the widest gap since 2019, and the gap for Higher passes has widened for the third consecutive year.
Scottish Conservatives MSP Liam Kerr expressed that this outcome should be a cause for concern for ministers, citing a lack of support for disadvantaged students by the SNP (Scottish National Party).
Pam Duncan-Glancy, education spokesperson for Scottish Labour, also criticized the Scottish government for its inability to narrow the attainment gap, emphasizing that the youth of Scotland deserve better.
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth countered these criticisms, stating that the gap in achievement levels between the least and most deprived regions was still narrower than in 2019. She further highlighted the positive aspects of this year's results, including a record number of National 5 passes and the highest ever count of vocational and technical qualifications awarded.
SQA (Scottish Qualifications Authority) Chief Executive Fiona Robertson acknowledged that this year's results did not signify a complete return to normalcy for learners and educators. However, she deemed it a significant and positive step toward the resumption of regular awarding processes following the disruptions caused by the pandemic.
Students seeking support, including access to a dedicated helpline, can do so over the upcoming days.
Who Receives the Results? The results encompass Nationals, Highers, Advanced Highers, as well as the vocational National Progression Awards, Skills for Work Awards, and National Certificates.
The results have been dispatched by first-class mail, but many students may have chosen to receive their grades electronically. Those registered for the Scottish Qualifications Authority's MySQA service will receive their results via text or email.
Schools, along with any colleges or universities applied to via Ucas, will have access to all results. In cases where students do not receive their results, they are advised to contact their respective schools.
Over 144,000 students in Scotland sat exams this year Every year, numerous students appeal their grades, and a well-established system is in place to address these concerns.
Prior to students taking their exams, their schools, colleges, or training centers submit estimated grades to the SQA for all candidates.
Students concerned about their grades can initiate an appeal. Appeals involve a marking review, which assesses the accuracy of the marks' calculation and submission, as well as their alignment with national standards.
Priority will be given to appeals from students with conditional places at universities or colleges, or those engaged in training or employment contingent on their grades.
The deadline for priority appeals is Tuesday, August 15th, or Tuesday, August 29th for other appeals.
The SQA's Candidate Advice line will be operational from 08:00 on results day and will remain open until 18:00. From Wednesday, August 9th to Friday, August 11th, it will be available from 08:30 to 17:00. The helpline can be reached at 0345 279 1000.
For those who narrowly miss the grades required to study a specific subject at a university or college, the relevant admissions office might offer some flexibility or suggest alternative courses.
Applying through Ucas' clearing process, used by universities and colleges to fill vacant spots, is also an option.
Skills Development Scotland (SDS), the agency supporting training and skills for work, will also operate an advice line from August 8th to August 11th.
For career or education advice, or assistance following unsatisfactory results, students can call the SDS results helpline at 0808 100 8000. Photo by Mcwesty at English Wikipedia.