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Pass rates above pre-pandemic levels
Students getting their exam results today should be very proud of
their achievements, Education Secretary has said, 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.
Education Secretary said:
“I want to offer my congratulations to all of you who have worked
so hard and demonstrated so much resilience not just this year
but over the course of your studies. Today is all about
celebrating your achievements and you should be incredibly proud
of all you have accomplished.
“I would also like to send my sincere thanks and gratitude for
the continued dedication and commitment of those in our education
system – thank you to all of Scotland’s teachers, lecturers,
support staff as well as parents and carers for supporting our
young people.
“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.
“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
SQA Results 2023
‘Pre-pandemic’ refers to 2019 results.
Skills Development
Scotland helpline
