In response to the cancellation of the 2020 exam diet, SQA has developed an alternative certification model for 2020 to ensure the hard work of Scotland’s students is fully recognised through the qualifications system. The alternative certification model allows SQA to award grades to all students entered for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses as fairly and reliably as possible, across subjects and levels. Students will be notified of the grades awarded for each course on Tuesday 4th August.
The alternative certification model is based on teachers’ and lecturers’ estimates, which have been moderated by schools, colleges and SQA. The process may lead to a candidate or group of candidates being certificated with a grade that’s different from their estimated grade. To be as fair as possible to candidates, SQA are providing a post-certification review (appeals) service to allow centres to request a review of the grade awarded for a candidate or a group of candidates.
The SQA will notify schools of any candidate who may be eligible for a review, based on their awarded grade, from which centres will scrutinise evidence available and make a decision as to whether a review may be successful. A successful post-certification review request will result in a change of grade only — a change in band is not a feature of the review. Post certification review is available for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher Courses in 2020 only.
Requests for a post certification review from candidates or their parents and carers will not be accepted by SQA.
