Qualifications

Qualifications system

Scotland’s National Qualifications are being changed as part of Curriculum for Excellence. Building on the strengths of the current system, some new qualifications are being introduced while others are being revised.

• Standard Grade (Credit and General) and Intermediates
  will be replaced by new National 4 and 5 qualifications.
• Standard Grade (Foundation)
  will be replaced by a new Access 3 qualification.
• Access 1 and 2, Higher and Advanced Higher will be revised to reflect Curriculum for Excellence ensuring good articulation between courses and most up to date content.

The new Access and National 4 and 5 qualifications will be available from 2013/14, with Higher available 2014/15 and Advanced Higher in 2015/16.

Qualifications

The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) is responsible for delivering the new qualifications. SQA and its partners are taking forward the detailed development and implementation work for the new and updated qualifications, working with teachers, colleges, universities, parents and employers at all stages.

What will be different?

• Young people will have access to a wider range of qualifications and learning experiences that reflect their abilities and aspirations.

• There will be more flexibility, with qualifications being taken over 1 or 2 years.

• There will be more partnership arrangements between schools, colleges, training providers and local employers.

• Young people will be able to take National 4 and 5 qualifications in S4, S5 and S6 or by-pass these and go straight to Highers if they are ready for it. This gives more flexibility to meet the needs of learners.

Examples of how different schools might implement these approaches can be found on the Senior phase - Learner journeys page.

More information can be found in the Curriculum for Excellence factfile – Assessment and Qualifications.

Visit the parents' section of the SQA website to access the information leaflet: ‘Qualifications are changing’- A guide for parents and carers.

To find out exactly which qualifications will be available to you child have a look at the handy chart the SQA has produced.