Scotland’s exam results have revealed a widening of the attainment gap, as the pass rates for Higher exams have declined. However, the pass rates still remain higher than pre-pandemic levels. Figures from the Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) show that the attainment rate for A to C grades was 77.1%. Meanwhile, the pass rate for National 5 exams fell from 80.8% last year to 78.8% this year, after reaching a peak of 89% in 2020. The decline in pass rates was more significant in state schools compared to private schools.
Despite the widening attainment gap, Higher Education minister Graeme Dey highlighted that a record number of 18-year-olds from the most deprived areas have secured university places. Official figures from the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) show that 19,120 young Scottish students aged 19 and under have been accepted into universities, with the majority (29,220) attending Scottish institutions. This figure is above pre-pandemic levels and is expected to increase as more applications are processed.
In response to the widening attainment gap, the Scottish Greens have called for the elimination of school exams in favor of more continuous assessment. The party’s education spokesperson, Ross Greer, believes that moving away from high-stakes exams and implementing ongoing assessment throughout the year is crucial for closing the attainment gap. Greer also praised the learners for their strong results this year, attributing their success to the hard work of both students and teachers.
Figures published by the SQA indicate that the attainment gap for A grades at Highers is at its widest level since 2017. However, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth mentioned that the overall attainment gap across the three levels is lower than it was pre-pandemic. Gilruth stated that while the pandemic has affected young people from disadvantaged backgrounds disproportionately, the current results show that the gap in attainment levels between the least and most deprived areas is narrower than it was in 2019. The Scottish government is investing a record £1 billion in the Scottish Attainment Challenge to further address this issue.
The SQA stated that the exam results are strong and were awarded using a sensitive approach to ensure fairness to learners. SQA chief executive Fiona Robertson congratulated the 140,000 learners on their achievements and assured them that their earned qualifications provide a solid foundation for their future endeavors.
While the Scottish government faces criticism over the widening attainment gap, opposition parties have expressed their disappointment. Scottish Conservatives education spokesman Liam Kerr described this year’s results as a consequence of 16 years of SNP neglect. He emphasized that the widening gap is a source of shame for Scottish government ministers. Willie Rennie, the education spokesman for the Liberal Democrats, warned that the poverty-related attainment gap is of great concern and that progress in addressing the issue has stalled under SNP rule.
In conclusion, Scotland’s exam results have exhibited a widening attainment gap, with declining pass rates for Higher exams. However, a record number of students from disadvantaged backgrounds have secured university places. The Scottish Greens have called for the elimination of school exams to address the gap, while opposition parties have criticized the SNP government for its handling of the issue. Despite the challenges, the Scottish government is committed to investing in tackling the attainment gap and ensuring fairness for all learners.
