Attainment Statistics - December 2024
Official Statistics
Contents
- Attainment statistical summary
- Qualifications included
- Headline figures
- Entries in graded National Qualifications
- Attainment in graded National Qualifications
- Scottish Baccalaureate
- Ungraded National Courses
- Skills for Work
- Awards, National Certificates and National Progression Awards
- Background Information
- Feedback
Attainment statistical summary
This document is a summary of entries and attainment following the completion of appeals and other post certification procedures at a particular point in time (07 November 2024).
In this release, entry figures for 2024 are presented with reference to the previous year (2023). Attainment figures for 2024 are generally presented with reference to the previous year (2023) and to 2019 (the most recent year prior to the pandemic). The different awarding arrangements in place between 2020 and 2024 mean that it is not possible to compare attainment across these years without full consideration of this contextual information. This is outlined in the background information section.
Qualifications included
The types of qualification covered in this release are described in Table 1.
The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) has 12 levels which, in ascending order (SCQF levels 1–12), indicate the level of difficulty of a particular qualification. The SCQF allows for broad comparisons to be made between qualifications to allow candidates, employers and the public to understand the range of skills and learning that should be achieved at each level. More information can be found on the SCQF website.
| Qualification | Description |
|---|---|
| National 5 courses (SCQF level 5) |
National 5 courses are notionally based on 160 hours of directed learning and 80 hours of self-directed learning and equate to 24 SCQF credit points. |
| Higher courses (SCQF level 6) |
Higher courses are notionally based on 160 hours of directed learning and 80 hours of self-directed learning and equate to 24 SCQF credit points. |
| Advanced Higher courses (SCQF level 7) |
Advanced Higher courses are notionally based on 160 hours of directed learning and 160 hours of self-directed learning and equate to 32 SCQF credit points. |
| Scottish Baccalaureate (SCQF level 7) |
The Scottish Baccalaureate is available in four subject areas (Science, Languages, Social Sciences and Expressive Arts) and consists of a coherent group of Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications, and an Interdisciplinary Project. The Scottish Baccalaureate is notionally based on 1040 hours of learning and equates to 104 SCQF Credit Points at SCQF level 7. |
| National 2 (SCQF level 2) |
National 2 courses were introduced in 2014 and courses require the attainment of a number of SQA quality assured internally assessed units in a particular subject, and is notionally based on 180 hours of learning and equate to 18 SCQF credit points. |
| National 3 (SCQF level 3) |
National 3 courses were introduced in 2014 and courses require the attainment of a number of SQA quality assured internally assessed units in a particular subject and is notionally based on 180 hours of learning and equate to 18 SCQF credit points |
| National 4 (SCQF level 4) |
National 4 courses were introduced in 2014 and courses require the attainment of a number of SQA quality assured internally assessed units, including an Added Value unit, in a particular subject and is notionally based on 240 hours of learning and equate to 24 SCQF credit points |
| Skills for Work (SCQF levels 3–6) |
Skills for Work courses involve a strong element of learning through involvement in practical activities which are directly related to a particular vocational area, and they develop knowledge and skills that are important to employment. The courses require the attainment of a number of SQA quality assured internally assessed units in a particular subject. |
| Awards (SCQF levels 1–7) |
SQA Awards recognise the life and work skills that candidates gain from activities they might already be taking part in at school, at college or elsewhere – such as sport, mentoring, voluntary work or fund-raising activities. In common with some other qualifications in SQA’s portfolio, they have been designed to recognise wider achievement. Awards require the attainment of a number of SQA quality assured internally assessed units in a particular subject. |
| National Certificates (SCQF levels 3–6) |
National Certificates are primarily aimed at 16- to 18-year-old candidates and adults in education, normally at a college. They offer candidates a full-time programme of vocational study. National Certificates require the attainment of a number of SQA quality assured internally assessed units in a particular subject. |
| National Progression Awards (SCQF levels 2–6) |
National Progression Awards are designed to develop and assess a defined set of skills and knowledge in specialist vocational areas. They are linked to National Occupational Standards – the basis of Scottish Vocational Qualifications. National Progression Awards require the attainment of a number of SQA quality assured internally assessed units in a particular subject. |
Headline figures
National 5
- There were 327,975 entries in 2024, an increase of 2.1% from 321,385 in 2023.
- A to C attainment was 77.3% in 2024 (78.9% in 2023; 81.6% in 2022; 85.8% in 2021; 89.0% in 2020; 78.3% in 2019).
- A attainment was 38.1% in 2024 (38.8% in 2023; 41.2% in 2022; 46.7% in 2021; 42.4% in 2020; 35.2% in 2019).
Higher
- There were 196,260 entries in 2024, an increase of 2.3% from 191,820 in 2023.
- A to C attainment was 75.1% in 2024 (77.4% in 2023; 80.3% in 2022; 87.3% in 2021; 89.3% in 2020; 74.9% in 2019).
- A attainment was 30.7% in 2024 (33.3% in 2023; 36.5% in 2022; 47.7% in 2021; 40.1% in 2020; 28.5% in 2019).
Advanced Higher
- There were 28,495 entries in 2024, an increase of 2.7% from 27,745 in 2023.
- A to C attainment was 75.5% in 2024 (80.2% in 2023; 82.6% in 2022; 90.2% in 2021; 93.1% in 2020; 79.6% in 2019).
- A attainment was 30.2% in 2024 (33.4% in 2023; 35.0% in 2022; 51.0% in 2021; 46.3% in 2020; 32.0% in 2019).
Scottish Baccalaureate
- There were 140 entries, with a total attainment rate of 72.5% (75.7% in 2023; 74.2% in 2022; 92.7% in 2021; 87.9% in 2020; 72.1% in 2019).
National 2 to National 4
- There were 2,770 National 2 entries, with an attainment rate of 79.7% (71.9% in 2023; 74.9% in 2022; 70.5% in 2021; 77.6% in 2020; 79.7% in 2019).
- There were 29,205 National 3 entries, with an attainment rate of 87.1% (86.1% in 2023; 86.5% in 2022; 88.6% in 2021; 92.9% in 2020; 89.0% in 2019).
- There were 125,015 National 4 entries, with an attainment rate of 86.8% (90.1% in 2023; 88.2% in 2022; 89.2% in 2021; 92.4% in 2020; 90.0% in 2019).
Skills for Work
- Total entries across all SCQF levels were 17,550, with an attainment rate of 87.5% (84.4% in 2023; 81.6% in 2022; 83.4% in 2021; 87.4% in 2020; 85.0% in 2019).
Entries in graded National Qualifications
In this release, entry figures for 2024 are presented with reference to the previous year (2023).
Qualification level breakdown
At National 5, there were 327,975 entries in 2024 (an increase of 2.1% from 321,385 in 2023).
At Higher, there were 196,260 entries in 2024 (an increase of 2.3% from 191,820 in 2023).
At Advanced Higher, there were 28,495 entries in 2024 (an increase of 2.7% from 27,745 in 2023).
| Level | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| National 5 | 288,560 | 300,685 | 298,135 | 310,265 | 321,385 | 327,975 |
| Higher | 185,915 | 186,225 | 194,795 | 188,280 | 191,820 | 196,260 |
| Advanced Higher | 23,465 | 23,570 | 26,805 | 28,220 | 27,745 | 28,495 |
Subject breakdown
This section summarises entries for a selection of the most popular (largest entry) subjects at each level. Entries data for the complete list of subjects is available in the data tables that accompany this release.
National 5
In English there were 49,925 entries in 2024, an increase of 1.9% from 49,000 in 2023. In Mathematics there were 36,600 entries in 2024, a decrease of 2.4% from 37,500 in 2023. In Applications of Mathematics there were 24,265 entries in 2024, an increase of 27.5% from 19,025 in 2023. In Biology there were 22,350 entries in 2024, a decrease of 2.6% from 22,940 in 2023. In Physical Education there were 20,350 entries in 2024, an increase of 1.6% from 20,025 in 2023.
National 5 graphs
| Subject | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applications of Mathematics | 4,460 | 10,430 | 10,760 | 14,315 | 19,025 | 24,265 |
| Biology | 21,550 | 21,790 | 21,215 | 22,580 | 22,940 | 22,350 |
| English | 45,595 | 46,665 | 46,875 | 47,735 | 49,000 | 49,925 |
| Mathematics | 41,525 | 41,225 | 36,450 | 38,245 | 37,500 | 36,600 |
| Physical Education | 16,770 | 17,195 | 18,375 | 19,180 | 20,025 | 20,350 |
Higher
In English there were 36,300 entries in 2024, an increase of 2.2% from 35,520 in 2023. In Mathematics there were 18,480 entries in 2024, a decrease of 1.2% from 18,705 in 2023. In Physical Education there were 11,665 entries in 2024, an increase of 1.5% from 11,485 in 2023. In History there were 10,265 entries in 2024, an increase of 1.5% from 10,115 in 2023. In Chemistry there were 9,900 entries in 2024, an increase of 2.3% from 9,685 in 2023.
Higher graphs
| Subject | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemistry | 10,045 | 10,040 | 9,845 | 9,570 | 9,685 | 9,900 |
| English | 35,460 | 36,370 | 36,560 | 34,045 | 35,520 | 36,300 |
| History | 9,985 | 9,920 | 10,550 | 9,865 | 10,115 | 10,265 |
| Mathematics | 18,595 | 19,145 | 19,405 | 18,020 | 18,705 | 18,480 |
| Physical Education | 9,895 | 10,645 | 11,810 | 11,850 | 11,485 | 11,665 |
Advanced Higher
In Mathematics there were 4,380 entries in 2024, an increase of 6.2% from 4,125 in 2023. In Biology there were 3,000 entries in 2024, a decrease of 2.9% from 3,090 in 2023. In English there were 2,990 entries in 2024, an increase of 13.5% from 2,635 in 2023. In Chemistry there were 2,745 entries in 2024, a decrease of 3.7% from 2,850 in 2023. In Physics there were 2,255 entries in 2024, an increase of 8.0% from 2,085 in 2023.
Advanced Higher graphs
| Subject | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology | 2,315 | 2,510 | 2,965 | 3,165 | 3,090 | 3,000 |
| Chemistry | 2,450 | 2,555 | 2,675 | 2,735 | 2,850 | 2,745 |
| English | 2,345 | 2,240 | 2,830 | 2,770 | 2,635 | 2,990 |
| Mathematics | 3,695 | 3,625 | 3,785 | 3,915 | 4,125 | 4,380 |
| Physics | 1,645 | 1,710 | 1,945 | 2,130 | 2,085 | 2,255 |
Sex breakdown
At National 5, there were 164,615 entries for female candidates in 2024 (an increase of 2.2% from 161,150 in 2023). There were 163,300 entries for male candidates (an increase of 2.0% from 160,150 in 2023).
At Higher, there were 106,110 entries for female candidates in 2024 (an increase of 3.0% from 103,010 in 2023). There were 90,090 entries for male candidates (an increase of 1.5% from 88,720 in 2023).
At Advanced Higher, there were 15,645 entries for female candidates in 2024 (an increase of 2.0% from 15,330 in 2023). There were 12,840 entries for male candidates (an increase of 3.6% from 12,400 in 2023).
| Level | Sex | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| National 5 | Female | 148,570 | 153,725 | 150,265 | 155,425 | 161,150 | 164,615 |
| National 5 | Male | 139,985 | 146,935 | 147,780 | 154,760 | 160,150 | 163,300 |
| Higher | Female | 104,005 | 103,830 | 106,735 | 101,140 | 103,010 | 106,110 |
| Higher | Male | 81,900 | 82,390 | 88,030 | 87,040 | 88,720 | 90,090 |
| Advanced Higher | Female | 13,180 | 13,210 | 15,160 | 15,570 | 15,330 | 15,645 |
| Advanced Higher | Male | 10,285 | 10,360 | 11,645 | 12,640 | 12,400 | 12,840 |
Centre type breakdown
The number of entries to National Qualifications across different centre types can be impacted by a range of factors. From 2019 to 2023 the majority of entries in graded National Qualifications were from education authority centres, and this continued to be the case in 2024.
At National 5, there were 306,305 entries for education authority centres in 2024 (an increase of 2.2% from 299,735 in 2023) and there were 19,095 entries for independent centres (a decrease of 0.4% from 19,180 in 2023). There were also 2,505 entries for FE colleges in 2024 (an increase of 3.9% from 2,410 in 2023).
At Higher, there were 178,575 entries for education authority centres in 2024 (an increase of 2.9% from 173,530 in 2023) and there were 14,775 entries for independent centres (a decrease of 0.5% from 14,845 in 2023). There were also 2,715 entries for FE colleges in 2024 a decrease of 17.1% from 3,275 in 2023).
At Advanced Higher, there were 23,365 entries for education authority centres in 2024 (an increase of 2.4% from 22,810 in 2023) and there were 4,820 entries for independent centres (an increase of 2.7% from 4,690 in 2023). There were also 120 entries for FE colleges in 2024 (an increase of 44.6% from 85 in 2023).
| Level | Centre type | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| National 5 | Education Authority | 266,495 | 278,565 | 276,480 | 288,880 | 299,735 | 306,305 |
| National 5 | Independent | 18,300 | 18,370 | 18,830 | 19,015 | 19,180 | 19,095 |
| National 5 | FE College | 3,680 | 3,690 | 2,780 | 2,325 | 2,410 | 2,505 |
| Higher | Education Authority | 164,830 | 166,670 | 175,855 | 170,080 | 173,530 | 178,575 |
| Higher | Independent | 14,575 | 14,165 | 14,480 | 14,585 | 14,845 | 14,775 |
| Higher | FE College | 6,410 | 5,280 | 4,315 | 3,480 | 3,275 | 2,715 |
| Advanced Higher | Education Authority | 19,325 | 19,090 | 22,260 | 23,430 | 22,810 | 23,365 |
| Advanced Higher | Independent | 3,895 | 4,230 | 4,315 | 4,550 | 4,690 | 4,820 |
| Advanced Higher | FE College | 95 | 80 | 50 | 75 | 85 | 120 |
Attainment in graded National Qualifications
In this section, attainment statistics for 2024 are generally presented with reference to attainment in the previous year (2023) and to 2019 (the most recent year prior to the pandemic).
SQA external assessments did not take place in 2020 and 2021 due to disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Alternative approaches to assessment, relying on teacher judgement, were used to award grades and allow learners to progress. All visualisations of attainment in this report indicate this period using black dashed lines.
The different awarding arrangements in place between 2020 and 2023 mean that it is not possible to compare attainment across these years without full consideration of this essential contextual information.
The return of the national diet of exams in 2022 following the global pandemic included a range of measures to support learners. Because teaching and learning had been disrupted, some course assessments were modified by various methods, including removing coursework from courses. Many of these modifications continued into the 2023 diet in recognition of continued disruption to teaching and learning. Following discussions with learners, teachers, lecturers, parents, carers and others, there has been a return to full course assessment in 2024.
The percentage of entries that achieved an A grade and the percentage of entries that achieved A to C grades are referred to as ‘attainment rates’ throughout this section.
Qualification level breakdown
| Level | Grade(s) | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| National 5 | A to C | 78.3% | 89.0% | 85.8% | 81.6% | 78.9% | 77.3% |
| National 5 | A | 35.2% | 42.4% | 46.7% | 41.2% | 38.8% | 38.1% |
| Higher | A to C | 74.9% | 89.3% | 87.3% | 80.3% | 77.4% | 75.1% |
| Higher | A | 28.5% | 40.1% | 47.7% | 36.5% | 33.3% | 30.7% |
| Advanced Higher | A to C | 79.6% | 93.1% | 90.2% | 82.6% | 80.2% | 75.5% |
| Advanced Higher | A | 32.0% | 46.3% | 51.0% | 35.0% | 33.4% | 30.2% |
National 5
The overall attainment rate at grades A to C for National 5 was 77.3% in 2024. This represents a decrease of 1.5 percentage points from 78.9% in 2023 and a decrease of 0.9 percentage points from 78.3% in 2019.
The overall attainment rate at grade A for National 5 was 38.1% in 2024. This represents a decrease of 0.7 percentage points from 38.8% in 2023 and an increase of 2.9 percentage points from 35.2% in 2019.
Note: The period between 2020 and 2021 indicates that alternative approaches to assessment, relying on teacher judgement, were used to award grades and allow learners to progress.
Higher
The overall attainment rate at grades A to C for Higher was 75.1% in 2024. This represents a decrease of 2.3 percentage points from 77.4% in 2023 and an increase of 0.2 percentage points from 74.9% in 2019.
The overall attainment rate at grade A for Higher was 30.7% in 2024. This represents a decrease of 2.5 percentage points from 33.3% in 2023 and an increase of 2.2 percentage points from 28.5% in 2019.
Note: The period between 2020 and 2021 indicates that alternative approaches to assessment, relying on teacher judgement, were used to award grades and allow learners to progress.
Advanced Higher
The overall attainment rate at grades A to C for Advanced Higher was 75.5% in 2024. This represents a decrease of 4.7 percentage points from 80.2% in 2023 and a decrease of 4.1 percentage points from 79.6% in 2019.
The overall attainment rate at grade A for Advanced Higher was 30.2% in 2024. This represents a decrease of 3.1 percentage points from 33.4% in 2023 and a decrease of 1.7 percentage points from 32.0% in 2019.
Note: The period between 2020 and 2021 indicates that alternative approaches to assessment, relying on teacher judgement, were used to award grades and allow learners to progress.
Subject breakdown
In this section, attainment is summarised for a selection of the most popular (largest entry) subjects at each level. Attainment data for the complete list of subjects is available in the data tables that accompany this release.
National 5
There were 36,600 entries for National 5 Mathematics in 2024 (a decrease of 2.4% from 37,500 in 2023). A total of 68.2% of grades were A to C, an increase of 5.7 pp from 62.5% in 2023 and an increase of 2.7 pp from 65.5% in 2019. 39.9% of grades were A, an increase of 11.5 pp from 28.5% in 2023 and an increase of 9.0 pp from 30.9% in 2019.
There were 49,925 entries for National 5 English in 2024 (an increase of 1.9% from 49,000 in 2023). A total of 84.4% of grades were A to C, a decrease of 2.1 pp from 86.4% in 2023 and a decrease of 2.0 pp from 86.4% in 2019. 37.3% of grades were A, a decrease of 3.0 pp from 40.2% in 2023 and an increase of 1.9 pp from 35.4% in 2019.
For the other large-uptake subjects, including Applications of Mathematics, Biology, and Physical Education, the A to C attainment rate decreased in 2024 from 2023. Compared to 2019, the A to C attainment rate of both Applications of Mathematics and Physical Education increased while Biology decreased.
The A attainment rate in 2024 for Biology and Physical Education has decreased since 2023 while the A attainment rate increased for Applications of Mathematics. Compared to 2019, the A attainment rate increased for Applications of Mathematics and Physical Education in 2024 but decreased for Biology. Note: Applications of Mathematics has shown an increase in entries year-on-year since 2019 (from 4,460 in 2019 to 24,265 in 2024).
National 5 graphs
Note: The period between 2020 and 2021 indicates that alternative approaches to assessment, relying on teacher judgement, were used to award grades and allow learners to progress.
| Subject | Grade(s) | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applications of Mathematics | A to C | 58.6% | 75.3% | 64.0% | 65.3% | 62.0% | 59.5% |
| Biology | A to C | 70.6% | 83.4% | 75.8% | 72.3% | 73.0% | 64.6% |
| English | A to C | 86.4% | 91.4% | 91.0% | 88.3% | 86.4% | 84.4% |
| Mathematics | A to C | 65.5% | 79.2% | 73.0% | 70.3% | 62.5% | 68.2% |
| Physical Education | A to C | 94.0% | 97.8% | 97.2% | 96.2% | 95.2% | 94.9% |
| Applications of Mathematics | A | 23.8% | 28.9% | 22.7% | 25.0% | 25.3% | 25.7% |
| Biology | A | 29.5% | 35.3% | 36.5% | 32.7% | 34.3% | 28.1% |
| English | A | 35.4% | 39.5% | 47.6% | 42.3% | 40.2% | 37.3% |
| Mathematics | A | 30.9% | 36.8% | 37.8% | 37.2% | 28.5% | 39.9% |
| Physical Education | A | 46.0% | 59.9% | 62.5% | 54.8% | 54.8% | 47.9% |
Higher
There were 18,480 entries for Higher Mathematics in 2024 (a decrease of 1.2% from 18,705 in 2023). A total of 72.8% of grades were A to C, a decrease of 0.5 pp from 73.3% in 2023 and an increase of 0.4 pp from 72.4% in 2019. 40.7% of grades were A, an increase of 1.7 pp from 39.0% in 2023 and an increase of 7.7 pp from 32.9% in 2019.
There were 36,300 entries for Higher English in 2024 (an increase of 2.2% from 35,520 in 2023). A total of 74.9% of grades were A to C, a decrease of 1.3 pp from 76.3% in 2023 and an increase of 1.5 pp from 73.4% in 2019. 27.2% of grades were A, a decrease of 0.4 pp from 27.7% in 2023 and an increase of 3.8 pp from 23.4% in 2019.
For the other large-uptake subjects (Chemistry, History and Physical Education), the A to C attainment rate decreased in 2024 from 2023. Of the five highest-uptake subjects, History saw the largest A to C attainment decrease from 79.2% in 2023 to 66.1% in 2024 (a 13.2 pp decrease). A decrease in the A to C attainment rate is also observed for these three subjects when compared to 2019.
For History and Chemistry, the A attainment rate in 2024 decreased from both 2019 and 2023. However, for Physical Education, the A attainment rate in 2024 decreased from 2023 but increased when compared to 2019.
Higher graphs
Note: The period between 2020 and 2021 indicates that alternative approaches to assessment, relying on teacher judgement, were used to award grades and allow learners to progress.
| Subject | Grade(s) | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemistry | A to C | 75.8% | 88.3% | 81.5% | 78.7% | 77.8% | 74.4% |
| English | A to C | 73.4% | 87.5% | 88.2% | 81.3% | 76.3% | 74.9% |
| History | A to C | 73.2% | 90.8% | 88.9% | 81.1% | 79.2% | 66.1% |
| Mathematics | A to C | 72.4% | 83.3% | 80.1% | 75.6% | 73.3% | 72.8% |
| Physical Education | A to C | 88.1% | 94.2% | 92.8% | 88.8% | 88.2% | 86.8% |
| Chemistry | A | 30.0% | 40.9% | 43.4% | 35.4% | 32.9% | 29.9% |
| English | A | 23.4% | 31.8% | 42.2% | 31.1% | 27.7% | 27.2% |
| History | A | 28.9% | 41.7% | 51.1% | 40.2% | 37.4% | 24.5% |
| Mathematics | A | 32.9% | 40.6% | 47.1% | 46.0% | 39.0% | 40.7% |
| Physical Education | A | 27.6% | 38.8% | 45.2% | 32.3% | 33.2% | 27.7% |
Advanced Higher
There were 4,380 entries for Advanced Higher Mathematics in 2024 (an increase of 6.2% from 4,125 in 2023). A total of 70.3% of grades were A to C, a decrease of 5.8 pp from 76.1% in 2023 and a decrease of 5.3 pp from 75.6% in 2019. 39.2% of grades were A, an increase of 0.9 pp from 38.3% in 2023 and an increase of 1.9 pp from 37.3% in 2019.
There were 2,990 entries for Advanced Higher English in 2024 (an increase of 13.5% from 2,635 in 2023). A total of 71.3% of grades were A to C, a decrease of 8.2 pp from 79.5% in 2023 and a decrease of 7.5 pp from 78.8% in 2019. 18.6% of grades were A, a decrease of 6.6 pp from 25.2% in 2023 and a decrease of 2.3 pp from 20.8% in 2019.
For the other large-uptake subjects including Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, both the A and A to C attainment rates decreased in 2024 from 2023. Similarly, when compared with 2019, both the A and A to C attainment rates for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics decreased.
Advanced Higher graphs
Note: The period between 2020 and 2021 indicates that alternative approaches to assessment, relying on teacher judgement, were used to award grades and allow learners to progress.
| Subject | Grade(s) | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology | A to C | 74.2% | 89.2% | 84.1% | 75.8% | 74.5% | 67.0% |
| Chemistry | A to C | 82.3% | 92.7% | 86.2% | 82.4% | 78.9% | 71.2% |
| English | A to C | 78.8% | 92.6% | 91.8% | 85.6% | 79.5% | 71.3% |
| Mathematics | A to C | 75.6% | 89.2% | 87.0% | 78.2% | 76.1% | 70.3% |
| Physics | A to C | 78.8% | 93.2% | 88.1% | 81.3% | 79.4% | 72.9% |
| Biology | A | 24.6% | 36.2% | 41.9% | 24.5% | 24.6% | 17.6% |
| Chemistry | A | 33.8% | 42.9% | 45.3% | 33.4% | 27.5% | 26.8% |
| English | A | 20.8% | 37.3% | 45.9% | 29.8% | 25.2% | 18.6% |
| Mathematics | A | 37.3% | 47.9% | 57.9% | 39.1% | 38.3% | 39.2% |
| Physics | A | 31.5% | 50.6% | 51.7% | 36.4% | 32.4% | 24.4% |
Sex breakdown
National 5
At grades A to C, the attainment rate decreased for both female and male candidates in 2024 compared to 2023. 79.5% of female candidate grades at National 5 were A to C in 2024 a decrease of 1.3 percentage points from 80.7% in 2023 and a decrease of 0.8 percentage points from 80.3% in 2019. 75.2% of male candidate grades at National 5 were A to C in 2024 a decrease of 1.8 percentage points from 77.0% in 2023 and a decrease of 0.9 percentage points from 76.1% in 2019.
At grade A, the attainment rate increased for female candidates and decreased for male candidates in 2024 compared to 2023. 42.7% of female candidate grades at National 5 were A to C in 2024 an increase of 0.1 percentage points from 42.6% in 2023 and an increase of 3.4 percentage points from 39.3% in 2019. 33.5% of male candidate grades at National 5 were A to C in 2024 a decrease of 1.5 percentage points from 35.0% in 2023 and an increase of 2.7 percentage points from 30.8% in 2019.
National 5 graphs
Note: The period between 2020 and 2021 indicates that alternative approaches to assessment, relying on teacher judgement, were used to award grades and allow learners to progress.
| Sex | Grade(s) | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Female | A to C | 80.3% | 90.4% | 87.2% | 83.3% | 80.7% | 79.5% |
| Male | A to C | 76.1% | 87.6% | 84.3% | 80.0% | 77.0% | 75.2% |
| Female | A | 39.3% | 46.4% | 51.5% | 45.2% | 42.6% | 42.7% |
| Male | A | 30.8% | 38.2% | 41.8% | 37.2% | 35.0% | 33.5% |
Higher
At grades A to C, the attainment rate decreased for both female and male candidates in 2024 compared to 2023. 78.0% of female candidate grades at Higher were A to C in 2024 a decrease of 1.9 percentage points from 79.8% in 2023 and an increase of 1.0 percentage points from 77.0% in 2019. 71.8% of male candidate grades at Higher were A to C in 2024 a decrease of 2.8 percentage points from 74.6% in 2023 and a decrease of 0.6 percentage points from 72.4% in 2019.
At grade A, the attainment rate decreased for both female and male candidates in 2024 compared to 2023. 33.7% of female candidate grades at Higher were A to C in 2024 a decrease of 2.3 percentage points from 36.0% in 2023 and an increase of 3.1 percentage points from 30.6% in 2019. 27.2% of male candidate grades at Higher were A to C in 2024 a decrease of 2.9 percentage points from 30.2% in 2023 and an increase of 1.4 percentage points from 25.9% in 2019.
Higher graphs
| Sex | Grade(s) | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Female | A to C | 77.0% | 90.9% | 89.4% | 82.6% | 79.8% | 78.0% |
| Male | A to C | 72.4% | 87.2% | 84.8% | 77.8% | 74.6% | 71.8% |
| Female | A | 30.6% | 43.3% | 52.1% | 39.9% | 36.0% | 33.7% |
| Male | A | 25.9% | 36.0% | 42.2% | 32.6% | 30.2% | 27.2% |
Advanced Higher
At grades A to C, the attainment rate decreased for both female and male candidates in 2024 compared to 2023. 78.4% of female candidate grades at Advanced Higher were A to C in 2024 a decrease of 4.2 percentage points from 82.7% in 2023 and a decrease of 3.2 percentage points from 81.6% in 2019. 72.0% of male candidate grades at Advanced Higher were A to C in 2024 a decrease of 5.1 percentage points from 77.1% in 2023 and a decrease of 5.0 percentage points from 77.0% in 2019.
At grade A, the attainment rate decreased for both female and male candidates in 2024 compared to 2023. 30.6% of female candidate grades at Advanced Higher were A to C in 2024 a decrease of 3.7 percentage points from 34.3% in 2023 and a decrease of 1.6 percentage points from 32.2% in 2019. 29.9% of male candidate grades at Advanced Higher were A to C in 2024 a decrease of 2.4 percentage points from 32.2% in 2023 and a decrease of 1.9 percentage points from 31.7% in 2019.
Advanced Higher graphs
| Sex | Grade(s) | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Female | A to C | 81.6% | 94.4% | 92.2% | 85.2% | 82.7% | 78.4% |
| Male | A to C | 77.0% | 91.4% | 87.6% | 79.4% | 77.1% | 72.0% |
| Female | A | 32.2% | 47.6% | 53.2% | 36.0% | 34.3% | 30.6% |
| Male | A | 31.7% | 44.8% | 48.1% | 33.6% | 32.2% | 29.9% |
Centre type breakdown
Over time, attainment rates are higher for independent centres than education authority centres, and this continued to be the case in 2024.
FE colleges have relatively low uptake for graded National Qualifications. The range of subjects taken in FE colleges is also considerably narrower than the other centre types. For these reasons, overall attainment rates for FE colleges and the other centre types are not comparable.
National 5
In education authority centres, the A to C attainment rate was 76.3% in 2024, a decrease of 1.6 percentage points from 77.9% in 2023 and a decrease of 0.9 percentage points from 77.3% in 2019. At grade A, the attainment rate was 36.0% in education authority centres in 2024, a decrease of 0.8 percentage points from 36.8% in 2023 and an increase of 3.0 percentage points from 33.0% in 2019.
In independent centres, the A to C attainment rate was 94.6% in 2024, a decrease of 0.3 percentage points from 94.9% in 2023 and a decrease of 0.3 percentage points from 94.9% in 2019. At grade A, the attainment rate was 72.8% in independent centres in 2024, an increase of 1.1 percentage points from 71.7% in 2023 and an increase of 3.5 percentage points from 69.3% in 2019.
In FE colleges, the A to C attainment rate was 70.6% in 2024, an increase of 1.2 percentage points from 69.4% in 2023 and an increase of 2.8 percentage points from 67.8% in 2019. At grade A, the attainment rate was 32.8% in FE colleges in 2024, an increase of 4.6 percentage points from 28.2% in 2023 and an increase of 7.6 percentage points from 25.2% in 2019.
| Centre type | Grade(s) | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education Authority | A to C | 77.3% | 88.5% | 85.1% | 80.8% | 77.9% | 76.3% |
| Independent | A to C | 94.9% | 97.7% | 96.8% | 95.7% | 94.9% | 94.6% |
| FE College | A to C | 67.8% | 85.7% | 74.9% | 71.8% | 69.4% | 70.6% |
| Education Authority | A | 33.0% | 40.4% | 44.8% | 39.0% | 36.8% | 36.0% |
| Independent | A | 69.3% | 73.0% | 76.9% | 74.9% | 71.7% | 72.8% |
| FE College | A | 25.2% | 34.9% | 33.2% | 30.6% | 28.2% | 32.8% |
Higher
In education authority centres, the A to C attainment rate was 73.8% in 2024, a decrease of 2.4 percentage points from 76.2% in 2023 and a decrease of 0.2 percentage points from 74.1% in 2019. At grade A, the attainment rate was 28.5% in education authority centres in 2024, a decrease of 2.6 percentage points from 31.0% in 2023 and an increase of 2.1 percentage points from 26.3% in 2019.
In independent centres, the A to C attainment rate was 92.5% in 2024, a decrease of 0.9 percentage points from 93.3% in 2023 and a decrease of 0.5 percentage points from 92.9% in 2019. At grade A, the attainment rate was 59.5% in independent centres in 2024, a decrease of 2.2 percentage points from 61.6% in 2023 and an increase of 0.5 percentage points from 58.9% in 2019.
In FE colleges, the A to C attainment rate was 63.8% in 2024, a decrease of 3.0 percentage points from 66.8% in 2023 and an increase of 7.1 percentage points from 56.7% in 2019. At grade A, the attainment rate was 23.0% in FE colleges in 2024, a decrease of 0.5 percentage points from 23.5% in 2023 and an increase of 8.3 percentage points from 14.7% in 2019.
| Centre type | Grade(s) | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education Authority | A to C | 74.1% | 88.8% | 86.7% | 79.4% | 76.2% | 73.8% |
| Independent | A to C | 92.9% | 97.7% | 97.2% | 94.0% | 93.3% | 92.5% |
| FE College | A to C | 56.7% | 81.7% | 79.1% | 67.2% | 66.8% | 63.8% |
| Education Authority | A | 26.3% | 38.1% | 45.6% | 34.5% | 31.0% | 28.5% |
| Independent | A | 58.9% | 67.2% | 75.5% | 63.9% | 61.6% | 59.5% |
| FE College | A | 14.7% | 28.7% | 37.7% | 20.9% | 23.5% | 23.0% |
Advanced Higher
In education authority centres, the A to C attainment rate was 72.5% in 2024, a decrease of 5.1 percentage points from 77.6% in 2023 and a decrease of 4.6 percentage points from 77.1% in 2019. At grade A, the attainment rate was 25.8% in education authority centres in 2024, a decrease of 2.9 percentage points from 28.8% in 2023 and a decrease of 1.6 percentage points from 27.4% in 2019.
In independent centres, the A to C attainment rate was 89.8% in 2024, a decrease of 3.0 percentage points from 92.8% in 2023 and a decrease of 1.9 percentage points from 91.6% in 2019. At grade A, the attainment rate was 50.7% in independent centres in 2024, a decrease of 4.5 percentage points from 55.1% in 2023 and a decrease of 3.2 percentage points from 53.9% in 2019.
In FE colleges, the A to C attainment rate was 86.7% in 2024, an increase of 2.3 percentage points from 84.3% in 2023 and an increase of 4.6 percentage points from 82.1% in 2019. At grade A, the attainment rate was 57.5% in FE colleges in 2024, an increase of 5.7 percentage points from 51.8% in 2023 and an increase of 11.2 percentage points from 46.3% in 2019.
| Centre type | Grade(s) | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education Authority | A to C | 77.1% | 92.0% | 88.8% | 80.5% | 77.6% | 72.5% |
| Independent | A to C | 91.6% | 97.9% | 96.9% | 93.0% | 92.8% | 89.8% |
| FE College | A to C | 82.1% | 88.5% | 96.0% | 89.5% | 84.3% | 86.7% |
| Education Authority | A | 27.4% | 41.7% | 46.8% | 30.7% | 28.8% | 25.8% |
| Independent | A | 53.9% | 66.8% | 72.3% | 56.5% | 55.1% | 50.7% |
| FE College | A | 46.3% | 51.3% | 74.0% | 57.9% | 51.8% | 57.5% |
Scottish Baccalaureate
Entries for the Scottish Baccalaureate remained small and stable in 2024. Attainment varies each year which is to be expected given the small number of entries.
| Year | Entries | Number of Pass | Percentage of Pass | Number of Distinction | Percentage of Distinction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 155 | 110 | 72.1% | 55 | 35.1% |
| 2020 | 150 | 130 | 87.9% | 85 | 57.0% |
| 2021 | 150 | 140 | 92.7% | 100 | 65.3% |
| 2022 | 165 | 120 | 74.2% | 80 | 47.9% |
| 2023 | 175 | 130 | 75.7% | 80 | 45.7% |
| 2024 | 140 | 100 | 72.5% | 60 | 42.0% |
Ungraded National Courses
National 2 and National 3 courses are a flexible provision and are not necessarily completed in a single academic year by candidates. Consequently, the results are not directly comparable with other courses.
National 2, National 3, and National 4 courses are all ungraded. The attainment rate (referred to in the following tables as ‘Percentage Attained’) is based on entries which have resulted in a pass.
National 2
Entries were made in 16 National 2 courses. Entries totalled 2,770 in 2024 with 2,210 attaining an award. The attainment rate was 79.7%.
| Year | Entries | Number Attained | Percentage Attained |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2,045 | 1,630 | 79.7% |
| 2020 | 1,990 | 1,545 | 77.6% |
| 2021 | 2,190 | 1,545 | 70.5% |
| 2022 | 2,365 | 1,770 | 74.9% |
| 2023 | 2,995 | 2,155 | 71.9% |
| 2024 | 2,770 | 2,210 | 79.7% |
National 3
Entries were made in 37 National 3 courses. Entries totalled 29,205 in 2024 with 25,450 attaining an award. The attainment rate was 87.1%.
| Year | Entries | Number Attained | Percentage Attained |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 19,285 | 17,155 | 89.0% |
| 2020 | 21,640 | 20,105 | 92.9% |
| 2021 | 20,910 | 18,535 | 88.6% |
| 2022 | 20,300 | 17,555 | 86.5% |
| 2023 | 22,420 | 19,305 | 86.1% |
| 2024 | 29,205 | 25,450 | 87.1% |
National 4
Entries were made in 48 National 4 courses. Entries totalled 125,015 in 2024 with 108,490 attaining an award. The attainment rate was 86.8%.
National 4 figures for 2019 include those awarded through the Recognising Positive Achievement (RPA) process. SQA treats National 4 attainment arising through course completion and through the RPA process as being equivalent. In 2019, National 4 course entries within centres (excluding entries arising through RPA) were estimated, using certification data, to be 95,870.
| Year | Entries | Number Attained | Percentage Attained |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 108,000 | 97,220 | 90.0% |
| 2020 | 102,490 | 94,710 | 92.4% |
| 2021 | 103,660 | 92,490 | 89.2% |
| 2022 | 123,750 | 109,105 | 88.2% |
| 2023 | 135,870 | 122,405 | 90.1% |
| 2024 | 125,015 | 108,490 | 86.8% |
Skills for Work
Skills for Work courses are a flexible provision and are not necessarily completed in a single academic year by candidates. Consequently, the results are not directly comparable with other courses..
As the courses are all ungraded, the attainment rate is based on entries which have resulted in a pass.
| Year | Entries | Number Attained | Percentage Attained |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 12,110 | 10,290 | 85.0% |
| 2020 | 14,465 | 12,640 | 87.4% |
| 2021 | 13,280 | 11,080 | 83.4% |
| 2022 | 14,255 | 11,635 | 81.6% |
| 2023 | 16,300 | 13,755 | 84.4% |
| 2024 | 17,550 | 15,350 | 87.5% |
Awards, National Certificates and National Progression Awards
Overall, the combined attainment volume for Awards, National Certificates, and National Progression Awards is at the highest in 2024 over the period ranging from 2019 to 2024. Notable increases can be seen at SCQF level 4 and SCQF level 5 for Awards, and SCQF level 5 and SCQF level 6 for National Progression Awards.
| SCQF Level | Qualification | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SCQF1 | Award | 460 | 405 | 155 | 245 | 310 | 360 |
| SCQF2 | Award | 1,070 | 950 | 750 | 695 | 565 | 1,075 |
| SCQF2 | National Progression Award | 80 | 90 | 85 | 60 | 105 | 115 |
| SCQF3 | Award | 4,845 | 4,445 | 3,825 | 3,835 | 3,225 | 4,045 |
| SCQF3 | National Certificate | 15 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 35 |
| SCQF3 | National Progression Award | 145 | 240 | 110 | 145 | 120 | 285 |
| SCQF4 | Award | 11,065 | 12,145 | 10,135 | 10,380 | 11,575 | 14,060 |
| SCQF4 | National Certificate | 295 | 210 | 200 | 120 | 105 | 170 |
| SCQF4 | National Progression Award | 5,005 | 4,865 | 4,305 | 5,295 | 5,835 | 6,290 |
| SCQF5 | Award | 5,425 | 8,335 | 7,435 | 9,835 | 11,760 | 14,935 |
| SCQF5 | National Certificate | 3,605 | 2,625 | 2,100 | 2,330 | 1,575 | 2,160 |
| SCQF5 | National Progression Award | 6,395 | 6,900 | 6,510 | 9,185 | 11,070 | 13,970 |
| SCQF6 | Award | 5,545 | 5,900 | 5,695 | 5,925 | 7,340 | 8,645 |
| SCQF6 | National Certificate | 5,715 | 4,940 | 4,255 | 3,990 | 2,415 | 3,980 |
| SCQF6 | National Progression Award | 4,310 | 7,020 | 7,855 | 8,430 | 9,455 | 12,970 |
| SCQF7 | Award | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 15 |
Background Information
Attainment Statistics - December 2024 details the main qualifications taken at school and college level by candidates in Scotland: a mix of current National Courses (National 2 to National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher) as well as Skills for Work, Awards, National Progression Awards, and National Certificates.
In this release, attainment statistics for Awards, National Progression Awards and National Certificate qualifications detail the number of certificated entries between 1 August 2023 and 31 July 2024.
The purpose of National Courses, as well as Skills for Work, Awards, National Progression Awards and National Certifications, is to enable certification and recognition for the programmes of work that candidates undertake in the senior phase of secondary education and in colleges.
The broad objectives of National Courses are to provide high standards, and breadth and depth of learning for individual learners, usually assessed via national exams, coursework and/or internally assessed components.
Prior to 2020, the Scottish examination system had been in a period of change since the introduction of the Curriculum for Excellence (CfE). Revised National Qualification (RNQ) changes made to the assessment of National 5 courses in 2018, Higher courses in 2019 and Advanced Higher courses in 2020, meant units and unit assessments were removed and each course assessment was adjusted accordingly. In addition, grade D was extended from a notional 45–49% to a notional 40–49%.
In 2020, the Deputy First Minister directed SQA to issue grades, primarily on the basis of teacher estimates. Grades that had been adjusted upwards in an earlier moderation process were also retained.
In 2021, The Scottish Government commissioned SQA to develop an Alternative Certification Model (ACM 2021) for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher. The model was based on teacher judgement, supported by assessment resources and quality assurance.
Throughout 2022, SQA worked with partners across the education sector (including teachers, lecturers, learners, parents and carers) to agree the wide-ranging package of support that was put in place to enable learners to demonstrate what they know, understand and can do, despite the disruption to learning caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. SQA implemented various modifications and revision support to reduce the assessment requirements for courses and increase learning and teaching time.
In 2023, awarding operated using the established procedure, as far as possible, in order to evaluate the performance of the course assessment, but with consideration given to the following factors:
- Impact of the reducing legacy of disruption to teaching and learning caused by the pandemic
- Impact of modifications to course assessment
- Impact of the removal of revision support
Awarding decisions were therefore ‘sensitive’ to these factors, ensuring that grade boundary decisions recognised that performance continues to be impacted. This was informed by the full range of qualitative and quantitative data used during awarding, with additional data from 2021–22 on the impact of modifications.
In 2024, awarding used the well-established procedures to evaluate the performance of the course assessment and, where appropriate, considered the impact of changes to assessment brought about by the return to full course assessment for many courses. These changes to assessment included the removal of optionality in some question papers and the reintroduction of:
- Coursework components (projects, assignments, dissertations)
- Optional content into question papers
- Course content examined in question papers
- An exam component
Users of these statistics should be mindful of the above information when comparing figures from different years.
Figures in this report are rounded to the nearest five. Percentages, percentage changes, and percentage point changes are calculated using figures prior to rounding, and rounded to one decimal place.
Additional background information relating to this release is available in the background information webpage.
All the figures in this statistical summary are available in the data tables that accompany this release.
Feedback
We welcome your feedback on our publications. Please contact the team with any comments about ways we can improve a publication to meet your needs.
Date of publication: 10 December 2024
Contact name: Chris Boulter
Contact email: data.analytics@sqa.org.uk