Contingency measures and support for exams in Scotland

The Scottish government has announced it still intends to hold National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher exams this Spring, but that support measures would be put in place to account for disruption caused by the pandemic.

Taking into consideration ongoing disruption within schools, the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) has decided to invoke its Scenario 2 contingency and will provide revision support in early March to aid learners in preparing for their exams.

SQA has also announced a series of measures that will support delivery of the qualifications this year and that acknowledge the disruption caused by the pandemic. This includes exceptional circumstances back-up for learners who are unable to attend their exam or exams due to illness or bereavement.

It also includes factoring in the impact of the pandemic on learners when grading the exams. And once the results have been published, learners will have free direct access to appeal.

Ms Somerville also confirmed that £4 million will be used to support schools and colleges provide targeted exam preparation sessions for learners who need it most over the Easter break.

In a statement delivered in the Scottish Parliament, the Education Secretary said: “It remains my firm intention that exams will take place as planned - they will only be cancelled if public health advice says it isn’t safe.

“While the number of full and partial school closures has been small, it is clear that many secondary schools have experienced extreme disruption as a result of the Omicron variant - particularly in the first half of January - in relation to both student and teacher absences.

“This package of measures is designed to ensure our learners are fully supported in their learning and preparations for the exams this year.”