Scotland exam pass rate falls - but improves on pre-pandemic level

Author: Selena Jackson & Rebecca TierneyPublished 9th Aug 2022
Last updated 9th Aug 2022

The pass rate for school pupils sitting Higher and National 5 exams in Scotland has dropped compared to last year, but returned to a level more comparable with pre-pandemic results.

Of those sitting Higher exams this year, 78.9% achieved a pass mark, compared to 87.3% in 2021.

However, it is higher than 2019's result of 74.8%.

This year saw the return of formal assessments, after they were replaced with teacher estimates during the pandemic.

At National 5 level, 80.8% of pupils were awarded pass marks, down from 85.8% in 2021, but an improvement from 78.2% in 2019.

'Impressive'

Scotland's Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: "This is one of the strongest-ever sets of results for any exam year, which is particularly impressive given the significant challenges learners have faced as a result of the pandemic.

"Pass rates for National 5s, Highers and Advanced Highers have increased compared with 2019, with A passes also up, and skills-based qualifications are close to the highest-ever figure.”

“Universities have assured learners that they support the 2022 approach to assessment and industry leaders have spoken publicly about how much they value this year's qualifications."

More to follow...

Hear all the latest news from the North East of Scotland on the hour, every hour, at Northsound 1. Listen on FM, via our Northsound app, on your DAB radio, online at Northsound1.co.uk, or say ‘Play Northsound 1’ on your Smart Speaker.