Scottish teachers to have less access to exam papers

Teachers in Scotland will not be able to see exam papers until the day after each test takes place.

This comes following changes brought in by the exams agency, SQA.

Teachers union, EIS, has criticised the move, however the SQA believes the changes will improve security and confidentiality.

Previously, exam papers could not be taken out of the exam room but teachers would have access to the papers once the exam had finished.

EIS general secretary, Larry Flanagan, commented: "It is disappointing that the SQA is apparently putting the management of its own public image ahead of the desire of pupils to discuss exam papers with their teachers.

"It is very important for pupils, following the often stressful experience of an exam, to have the opportunity to discuss the paper with their teachers and to receive feedback while the experience is fresh in their mind.”

However, a spokesperson for SQA said that the decision has been made to “prevent any breach of question paper security and confidentiality, but to also remove the risk of inappropriate postings on social media which can cause distress for candidates”.