The Scottish Government

This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007

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Pupils receive exam results

08/08/2006

Pioneering pupils from across Scotland today became the first to get new qualifications that better prepare them for the world of work - or for progressing to further and higher education.

Around 200 students became the first to get pilot Skills for Work qualifications in subjects like Construction Crafts and Early Education and Childcare.

More than 150,000 pupils - the highest number ever - also received their Access, Standard Grade, Intermediate, Higher and Advanced Higher results today. The news was good for most students.

With normal annual fluctuations in pass rates, the overall pre-appeal pass rates for Standard Grade and Highers remain strong and broadly stable, demonstrating the maintainance of qualification standards.

Intermediate courses are continuing to expand. There were almost 140,000 entries this year compared to around 124,000 in 2005.

Education Minister Peter Peacock said:

"Scotland's youngsters, together with their parents and teachers, should take pride in their achievements today. Their results are the culmination of years of hard work and their success will open doors of opportunity for them.

"Our education system is continuing to broaden and expand, giving more young people the opportunity to study at an appropriate level for them and fulfil their potential. A new high of over 150,000 candidates sat exams this year. There has never been more choice for young people when it comes to selecting the qualification that is right for them.

"Whether it's Access or Standard Grade, Intermediate or Higher, pupils and teachers can select the level and subject that will ensure individuals get recognition for their attainment and help fulfil their potential.

"This year we have expanded the system still further with new Skills for Work courses. These have proved to be immensely popular and uptake is set to expand considerably in years to come as we do more to recognise the importance of schools in vocational learning and help meet vital skill needs in our society.

"We said we would make education more engaging and relevant for young people of all abilities and we are delivering on that, helping them fulfil their potential, whether their next step is to get their foot in the door in the workplace or progress to further and higher education.

"Our Skills for Work courses and the increasing uptake of Access, Intermediates and Advanced Highers qualifications is tangible evidence that more young people are getting the opportunity to get the qualification that is right for them and their future."

The Skills for Work qualifications have been welcomed by business leaders.

Willie Haughey, OBE who leads City Refrigeration Holdings Ltd and is chair of Scottish Enterprise Glasgow, said:

"The Skills for Work programme is making a real difference to the choices young people make in their continuing development - whether that is further education or employment. As an employer I welcome the emphasis placed on employability skills in these courses and qualifications. I look forward to Skills for Work courses being further extended and developed in the future and being available to all pupils of all abilities."

Skills for Work courses have been on offer on a pilot basis at Intermediate 1 and 2 since August 2005 and are mainly for pupils in third and fourth year. Courses are awarded by successfully completing course units. New courses are currently being developed for 2007/08 in Engineering, Hospitality and the first Skills for Work Higher in Health and Social Care.

Around 1,400 youngsters studied Skills for Work courses in Constraction Crafts, Early Education and Childcare, Financial services and Sports and Recreation as part of the 2005 - 2006 pilot. Most are taking the course over two years, but around 200 received their completion certificates today.

The current National Qualification courses began to be phased in from August 1999.

There are six types of award, designed to provide challenging and achievable qualifications for pupils of all abilities:

• Access (available at three levels)
• Intermediate 1
• Standard Grade
• Intermediate 2
• Higher
• Advanced Higher

The SQA will publish a Principal Examiners report for each subject in the Autumn, commenting on the final outcomes of all exams to help inform where practice is strong and where improvements may be necessary.