Pass rates above pre-pandemic levels.
Students getting their exam results today should be very proud of their achievements, with pass rates remaining above pre-pandemic levels.
Data published by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) showed the overall pass rate for National 5, Highers and Advanced Highers has increased from the 2019 pre-pandemic level, with a record number of passes in an exam year achieved at National 5.
The number of vocational and technical qualifications achieved has also grown to a record high this year – with more than 72,000 qualifications awarded in 2023, an increase of 12.3% from 2022.
The poverty-related attainment gap remains narrower than it was in 2019 across National 5s, Highers and Advanced Highers.
I wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations to everyone who has put in immense effort and shown remarkable resilience, not only throughout this year but also throughout your academic journey. Today is dedicated to honouring your successes, and students should take great pride in all that they have achieved.
GRAEME
Furthermore, I want to express my sincere appreciation and thankfulness for the unwavering dedication and steadfast commitment of those within our educational system. My gratitude goes out to Scotland’s educators, instructors, support personnel, as well as parents and caregivers, for their continuous support in nurturing our youth.
There is much to celebrate in what is another strong set of results showing a clear and continuing recovery from the pandemic – with pass rates at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher above the 2019 pre-pandemic level, a record number of passes at National 5 and the highest number of vocational and technical qualifications ever awarded.
EDUCATION SECRETARY, JENNY GILRUTH
While we know that the pandemic has disproportionately impacted young people from more disadvantaged backgrounds, these results show that the gap in attainment levels between the least and most deprived areas remains narrower than it was in 2019. We are determined to build on the progress that has been made and we are investing a record £1 billion in the Scottish Attainment Challenge during this parliamentary term.
For those who don’t get the results they were looking for, a free and direct appeals service will give all young people the right to request a review of their marked exam papers or coursework for their National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher results this year.
Additionally, as you consider your next steps there is help available to guide you. The Skills Development Scotland Careers Helpline can offer practical information and careers advice as well as support for wellbeing. The SQA helpline is also open and can help students and their families with queries relating to the Scottish Qualifications Certificates.
Background
‘Pre-pandemic’ refers to 2019 results.
