Shetland’s secondary pupils receive their grades

A total of 580 secondary pupils will receive their grades today by text, email or post.

These include results for Nationals, Highers and Advanced Highers, which are usually taken by pupils in the Senior Phase (S4 to S6).

Following the cancellation of exams due to the Coronavirus epidemic, pupils have been awarded grades based on an alternative certification model this year. Schools were required to determine pupils’ estimated grades based on a pupil’s performance across the whole school year. Estimated grades were then moderated by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).

  • Pass rates at National 5 Grades A-C were 84% compared to 82% in 2019. This included a higher percentage of pupils, entered for N5, achieving an ‘A’ pass. This is the highest pass rate since Nationals were introduced in 2014. The figure for Scotland is 81.1%.
  • Pass rates at Higher grades A-C were 82.5% compared to 81.9% in 2019 and is the highest rate since the new Higher was introduced in 2015. The figure for Scotland as a whole was 78.9%.
  • Pass rates at Advanced Higher grades A-C were 80.9% compared to 78.2% in 2019. This includes a higher percentage of A passes.

On non-graded qualifications:

Pass rates at National 4 were 97%, an increase of 9% when compared to 2019.

  • There were 31 passes at National 3 which is 87%, the same figure as 2019.
  • There were seven passes at National 2 which is 88%, 17% higher than in 2019.
  • Two pupils achieved the Scottish Baccalaureate in Science.
  • In addition, certificates for a range of other Awards including Skills for Work are also being issued this summer.

The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) has created a revised post-certification review (appeals) process this year and local schools are ready to discuss results with pupils, who should contact their school directly.

George Smith is Chair of the Council’s Education and Families Committee: “I am delighted that our young people have once again achieved very good results across a wide range of qualifications. It has been a particularly challenging year and these results are testament to their hard work and commitment, so I’d like to congratulate them all on their achievements.

“I would also like to thank our teachers and other school staff who have encouraged and supported our students through difficult circumstances, and for their dedicated work in responding to the requirements of the alternative certification model.”

Published: 4th August 2020