On 8 December, the Deputy First Minister cancelled the Higher and Advanced Higher exams for 2021. This also means that coursework will not be marked by SQA, however it can still count towards evidence of your learning. We understand that you want to know what this means for you.
The National Qualifications 2021 Group continues to meet weekly and is now working through the details of how Higher and Advanced Higher courses will be awarded in 2021. These courses will broadly follow the process that we recently announced for National 5 results. This means that your teacher or lecturer will decide your provisional result by judging your assessment evidence and checking the results with other staff in your school or college.
Your teacher or lecturer will be able to use subject guidance and assessment materials to help gather your evidence. SQA will publish these documents on their website early in the new year.
We understand that you may have already sat prelims or are due to sit prelims for Higher and Advanced Higher courses early in 2021. Whilst there is no requirement for schools and colleges to hold prelims, it is their decision. Results from prelims which have already been carried out or which are planned may count towards your evidence. Your teacher or lecturer can also use other types of evidence so speak to them if you are worried about this.
To stay up to date on National Qualifications in 2021, visit www.sqa.org.uk/NQ2021.
The National Qualifications 2021 Group
The National Qualifications 2021 Group is represented by the Association of Directors of Education in Scotland (ADES), Colleges Scotland, Education Scotland, the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS), School Leaders Scotland (SLS), the Scottish Council of Independent Schools (SCIS), Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), the Scottish Government, National Parent Forum of Scotland, and the Scottish Youth Parliament.
