Qualifications

Some schools and local authorities have sought to increase pace, challenge and achievement by entering cohorts of pupils for National Qualifications (Standard Grade, Access 1, 2 and 3, Intermediate 1 and 2, Higher and Advanced Higher) before the end of S3.

The Scottish Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the principles set out in the national guidance on early presentation.

Decisions about early presentation must be made in the best interests of an individual pupil - not classes, cohorts or year groups. The Scottish Government would not support early presentation other than in exceptional circumstances related to an individual young person.

It is important that the full period to the end of S3 is used to provide a rich curriculum allowing young people to study and have experiences that provide both breadth and depth of learning. The expectation is that young people will reach a deeper and more secure level of attainment and achievement at the end of S3 than they do at present.

If necessary, the Scottish Government will strengthen the existing guidance on when young people can be presented for National Qualifications and/or arrange for Age and Stage regulations to be introduced to reinforce this policy.