Scottish Exam Results Show Slight Improvement Amid Criticism Over Attainment Gap
In This Article
HIGHLIGHTS
- Scottish exam pass rates have increased slightly, with National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher results showing improvement over last year.
- The attainment gap between students from affluent and deprived areas has narrowed marginally, but progress remains slow.
- A record number of young Scots have been offered university or college places, although the total number of applicants securing places has slightly decreased.
- Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth emphasizes the impact of the pandemic on education but notes improvements in literacy and numeracy.
- Critics argue that the Scottish government has not made sufficient progress in closing the attainment gap, despite longstanding promises.
The latest exam results in Scotland reveal a modest increase in pass rates, with students achieving higher grades across National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher qualifications. This year's results, announced amid postal delays caused by Storm Floris, indicate a slight narrowing of the attainment gap between students from affluent and deprived areas. However, critics argue that progress remains insufficient.
Exam Results and Attainment Gap
More than 147,000 students received their exam results, with pass rates for National 5 qualifications rising from 77.2% last year to 78.4% this year. Higher qualifications saw an increase from 74.9% to 75.9%, while Advanced Higher results improved from 75.3% to 76.7%. Despite these gains, the attainment gap—a key measure of educational inequality—remains a contentious issue. The gap for National 5 qualifications decreased slightly to 16.6%, while the gap for Higher qualifications fell marginally to 17.1%.
University Admissions and Government Response
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (Ucas) reported a record number of university and college offers to young Scots, with 17,350 places accepted by 17 and 18-year-olds. However, the total number of applicants securing places has slightly decreased. Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth highlighted the pandemic's impact on education but noted improvements in literacy and numeracy. "These young people lived through lockdown, and I do think that has impacted the way they interact with school," she told BBC Scotland News.
Criticism and Calls for Action
Despite these improvements, opposition parties and teaching unions criticize the Scottish government's progress in closing the attainment gap. Pam Duncan-Glancy, Scottish Labour's education spokesperson, accused the government of failing to meet its targets. "It is damning that Jenny Gilruth cannot say whether the attainment gap will be closed by next year," she stated. Andrea Bradley, general secretary of the EIS teaching union, called for "further solid steps" to address poverty-related educational disparities.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
As Scotland continues to grapple with educational inequality, the government's ability to close the attainment gap remains under scrutiny. With the 2026 target for substantially eliminating the gap looming, the Scottish National Party faces mounting pressure to deliver on its promises. The ongoing impact of the pandemic and funding challenges from the UK government add complexity to this issue. Experts suggest that a focus on targeted interventions and increased support for disadvantaged students could be crucial in achieving meaningful progress.
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Scottish Exam Results Show Slight Improvement Amid Criticism Over Attainment Gap
In This Article
Aya Nakamura| Published HIGHLIGHTS
- Scottish exam pass rates have increased slightly, with National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher results showing improvement over last year.
- The attainment gap between students from affluent and deprived areas has narrowed marginally, but progress remains slow.
- A record number of young Scots have been offered university or college places, although the total number of applicants securing places has slightly decreased.
- Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth emphasizes the impact of the pandemic on education but notes improvements in literacy and numeracy.
- Critics argue that the Scottish government has not made sufficient progress in closing the attainment gap, despite longstanding promises.
The latest exam results in Scotland reveal a modest increase in pass rates, with students achieving higher grades across National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher qualifications. This year's results, announced amid postal delays caused by Storm Floris, indicate a slight narrowing of the attainment gap between students from affluent and deprived areas. However, critics argue that progress remains insufficient.
Exam Results and Attainment Gap
More than 147,000 students received their exam results, with pass rates for National 5 qualifications rising from 77.2% last year to 78.4% this year. Higher qualifications saw an increase from 74.9% to 75.9%, while Advanced Higher results improved from 75.3% to 76.7%. Despite these gains, the attainment gap—a key measure of educational inequality—remains a contentious issue. The gap for National 5 qualifications decreased slightly to 16.6%, while the gap for Higher qualifications fell marginally to 17.1%.
University Admissions and Government Response
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (Ucas) reported a record number of university and college offers to young Scots, with 17,350 places accepted by 17 and 18-year-olds. However, the total number of applicants securing places has slightly decreased. Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth highlighted the pandemic's impact on education but noted improvements in literacy and numeracy. "These young people lived through lockdown, and I do think that has impacted the way they interact with school," she told BBC Scotland News.
Criticism and Calls for Action
Despite these improvements, opposition parties and teaching unions criticize the Scottish government's progress in closing the attainment gap. Pam Duncan-Glancy, Scottish Labour's education spokesperson, accused the government of failing to meet its targets. "It is damning that Jenny Gilruth cannot say whether the attainment gap will be closed by next year," she stated. Andrea Bradley, general secretary of the EIS teaching union, called for "further solid steps" to address poverty-related educational disparities.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
As Scotland continues to grapple with educational inequality, the government's ability to close the attainment gap remains under scrutiny. With the 2026 target for substantially eliminating the gap looming, the Scottish National Party faces mounting pressure to deliver on its promises. The ongoing impact of the pandemic and funding challenges from the UK government add complexity to this issue. Experts suggest that a focus on targeted interventions and increased support for disadvantaged students could be crucial in achieving meaningful progress.
Related Articles
Government Unveils Ambitious Plan to Halve Attainment Gap in England's Schools
UK Government's SEND Reforms: A Critical Turning Point for Special Education
UK Government's SEND Reforms Spark Debate Over Funding and Accessibility
Government Criticized for Mishandling Maccabi Tel Aviv Fan Ban
Prince Andrew's Arrest Intensifies Scrutiny on Royal Succession and Prince William's Future Role
US Supreme Court Ruling on Tariffs Sparks Uncertainty for UK and Global Trade