Qualifications Scotland Proposes Exam System Overhaul

A significant review of Scotland's exams system is being considered following detailed plans revealed by the country's new exams authority.

Qualifications Scotland, which has succeeded the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), aims to ensure that exams remain "absolutely fit for purpose."

Chief examiner Donna Stewart indicated that the review will examine both the duration of exams and the continuation of qualifications in certain "low uptake" subjects, although she confirmed that Gaelic would remain unaffected.

The review is not expected to be implemented until 2031; however, Stewart mentioned that some exams might be shortened in the interim.

Background on the SQA and Transition to Qualifications Scotland

The SQA was established in 1997 but was dissolved after multiple controversies, including the downgrading of student results during the Covid-19 pandemic.

During the pandemic, exams were cancelled, and teachers provided estimated grades. The SQA then applied a moderation algorithm that downgraded many results, disproportionately affecting pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The SQA also faced criticism over marking and assessment issues, as well as accusations of poor transparency and communication.

When legislation creating Qualifications Scotland was passed last year, concerns arose that the new body might be "little more than a rebrand," since many former SQA staff would remain.

However, chief executive Nick Page rejected this notion, highlighting that the new board includes five practising teachers.

"We are absolutely fundamentally changing this," he said.

"It is a new board. We've carried through three, four, people from the previous board and we have now got another five.

"We've got a whole new governance structure, we have got a whole new set of people. It is very different."

Page described Qualifications Scotland's full operation commencement on Monday as a "momentous occasion," emphasizing its mission to develop a world-class qualification system enabling people of all ages and backgrounds in Scotland to learn, have their assessments recognized, and be employable.

Reviewing Qualifications and Exam Length

Donna Stewart stated that the new body is "looking at reform in terms of reviewing all the qualifications we have in our portfolio."

She explained that this work is being conducted "in collaboration" with students, teachers, college lecturers, training providers, and industry representatives.

Stewart noted that while some qualifications currently have "great uptake," others that have been offered for many years require review.

She emphasized that subjects with low uptake, such as Gaelic, will not be discontinued due to their cultural and societal importance.

"It has importance in our community and in our society," she said.

When asked which qualifications might be discontinued after the review, Stewart responded:

"I genuinely can't tell you that, because it is not for us to determine, it is for us to listen to what Scotland needs, listen to what our learners need and actually weight that up."

Last year, the SQA removed question papers from its National 5 qualifications in practical cake craft, practical metalworking, and practical woodworking.

Stewart added:

"We are just about to start engaging on a whole suite of qualifications that we will look to reduce exam length - that's one of the proposals, the actual duration of the exams."

"This could be done without impacting on the integrity of the qualifications."

She further explained:

"What we do know the system is ready for just now is much more agile qualifications, ready for a reduced workload on teachers and ready for reduced assessment for learners, while still maintaining the integrity of our qualifications, so we are working towards those principles."

Government Support and Future Outlook

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth expressed support for Qualifications Scotland, stating it would "deliver real improvements for learners, teachers and Scotland's education system."

"For pupils and students, they will have a strengthened role in shaping decisions on qualifications and assessment, ensuring qualifications are fit for purpose in modern Scotland - with less reliance on high-stakes exams and greater recognition of achievement in all its forms," she said.

"For Scotland's education system, this is about building something we can all trust.

"Qualifications will be developed collaboratively with those who study and deliver them, ensuring they are relevant, rigorous and fairly recognise the achiev...