Moray senior school attainment shows mixed progress
The latest analysis of senior school attainment in Moray in 2023/24 highlights positive achievements and areas for improvement.
The progress in senior phase performance is benchmarked against the Virtual Comparator (VC), looking at young people across Scotland who share key characteristics with pupils in Moray. The performance of schools can then be assessed in relation to that group.
The newest data highlights S5 pupils across Moray have outperformed the comparator group in literacy and numeracy at Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) levels four and five. Additionally, indicators show that S5 performance has surpassed 2019 levels, marking good progress since the reintroduction of final examinations in 2022.
In S6, SCQF level four literacy and numeracy has reduced slightly by 3% in 2024 to 93%. The number of S6 learners achieving three or five or more qualifications at SCQF level six, as well as at least one qualification at SCQF level seven, has increased compared to 2023.
However, the analysis also highlights some challenges in S4, particularly in literacy and numeracy at SCQF levels four and five. This year, S4 performance in SCQF level five literacy saw a notable decline, with an 8% attainment gap emerging between Moray and the wider group
Similarly, there was a decline in numeracy, with the gap widening to 9% at SCQF level four and 7% at SCQF level five compared to the comparator group. This drop can partially be attributed to the lasting impact of disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chair of Moray Council’s Education, Children’s, and Leisure Services Committee, Cllr Kathleen Robertson, said: “While there are obviously positive results in this analysis, it’s disappointing to note the ongoing challenges in senior pupil attainment following previous years of steady improvement. To address this, we’ve already taken steps to focus on narrowing the gap between Moray pupils and their peers in the comparator groups, including providing targeted support to those most at risk of underachieving, and ensuring that every pupil has access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.”
Full analysis into the senior phase attainment is available in the committee papers.