Moray’s SQA Results 2020

Following the cancellation of this year’s exam diet, schools and local authorities submitted estimates to be considered for the attainment of young people in S4, S5 and S6. This processes has seen an increase of A-C passes at S4 for National 5 (N5) Qualifications and an increase at Higher for S5 pupils.

The increase in passes at N5 Maths by 5%; Higher English of 7% and Higher Maths of 2% is a “perfect illustration” of the focus on numeracy and literacy, says Chair of Moray Council’s Children and Young People’s Services Committee, Cllr Sonya Warren: “Across all our schools we have some exceptional achievements at all levels with more young people than ever before attaining seven grade As at National 5 level in S4 and also three and four grade As at Advanced Higher level in S6. 

“We also have a promising number of learners who are achieving Highers in S4 and Advanced Highers in S5, which is to be commended. This is a perfect illustration of the effort put in by teachers to increase and improve numeracy and literacy attainment. We must also commend them for their diligence in helping pupils to achieve these grades, particularly during the challenge lockdown circumstances.”

Head of Education, Vivienne Cross, said: “2020 has been a year like no other, however during the period of lockdown our efforts have been to provide robust estimates for our young people in order that they achieve the results they deserve. 

“I pass on my congratulations to all those who have achieved well and to all school staff who continue to do the best for Moray’s young people.  I’d also remind any young person who has concerns should contact their school in the first instance.”

In S4 Moray saw an increase of those achieving both one and five N5s as well as those passing six and seven national qualifications at this stage. 

At Higher level for our S5 learners, there is almost a 6% increase of those achieving at least one Higher and an improvement in those in both S5 and S6 attaining at least three Higher level passes.  This year also gives Moray their highest number yet of pupils achieving Advanced Higher passes in S6.

At this time, we await further information from SQA and Scottish Government as to what the exam diet for session 2020/21 will look like and once this is known, schools and practitioners will work with pupils and families to ensure that they are fully prepared for the expectations ahead.  Further analysis on attainment results is ongoing and will be supplemented by Insight Benchmarking Tool data which is available in September.