Rebalancing assessment research

SQA’s Prospectus for Change outlines planned changes to ‘review the balance of approaches to assessment across National Qualifications – for example, between exams and non-exam assessments.’

This aligns with recommendations from the final report of the Independent Review of Qualifications and Assessment (IRQA) in Scotland, published by the Scottish Government. The report, It's Our Future - Independent Review of Qualifications and Assessment, includes a recommendation to reduce the number of exams in the senior phase.

Review into the removal of question paper from practical subjects

As a first step towards reviewing assessment in National Courses, in early 2024 we conducted research with teachers and lecturers to explore whether we should remove question papers (exams) from some practical subjects. This research focused on National 5 Practical Cake Craft, National 5 Practical Cookery, National 5 Practical Electronics, National 5 and Higher Fashion and Textile Technology, National 5 Practical Metalworking and National 5 Practical Woodworking.

As a result of this research, we’re removing question papers from National 5 Practical Cake Craft, Practical Metalworking and Practical Woodworking for session 2025-26 onwards. We're keeping the National 5 Practical Electronics exam, and we plan to do more research on Fashion and Textile Technology and Practical Cookery.