East Lothian learners’ achievements return to pre-pandemic levels

The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) published its Attainment Statistics for 2022/23 on Tuesday 8 August. In East Lothian, 2,678 candidates received 13,772 awards which was an increase on last year (2482/ 13,098).

While analysis shows that attainment in 22/23 was lower than the previous year, 2021/22, when compared with the five-year average 2015-2019, learners achievements were higher across all award levels. This year’s exam diet is a return to the pre-pandemic examination arrangements and all COVID mitigations in place for candidates were removed by the SQA for this year. 

Key highlights 

National 2, 3 and 4. These qualifications are made up of units which are internally assessed as pass of fail by the school or college before being externally quality-assured by SQA. The number of presentations remained consistent at National 2, showing an increase at both National 3 and National 4 levels.

National 5: Fewer candidates were presented for National 5 awards compared to 2022 and there was an increase compared to the 5 year average. While attainment was lower compared with 2022 across all levels, it was in line with, or exceeded, the 5 year average. English pass rates increased above both time periods, while Maths results were lower across both time periods.

Highers: The number of presentations was in line with previous years with over three quarters of candidates achieving A-C grades. Although results were marginally lower across all measures compared to 2022, analysis showed that the majority of measures were either in line with, or exceeding the five year average. Pass rates for English and Maths are above the national rates, with A passes for these also above the national rate. Overall Higher A pass rates are also above the national rate.

Advanced Highers: the number of pupils presented for Advanced Highers was in line with last year and above the 5 year average. Pass rates were in line with 2022 and above the five year average.

Attainment gap

The council is focused on bringing attainment back to pre-pandemic levels, in line with its Raising Attainment Strategy.  Data showed that the poverty-related attainment gap was most reduced at Higher level. While the gap increased slightly by 3% at National 5 compared to the historical five year average it reduced at Higher level by 13%. The Scottish Government has provided all local authorities with Strategic Equity Fund money to reduce the poverty related attainment gap. East Lothian Council has employed a Principal Teacher of Equity in each secondary school and School and Family Support Workers in identified primary schools. This approach, and the use of tools to track and monitor attainment throughout the academic year, has been endorsed by Education Scotland and Scottish Government, and is being considered by other local authorities. The SQA data will be used to strengthen approaches across all year groups and qualification stages.

Cabinet member for Education and Children’s and Family Services Councillor Fiona Dugdale said: “I’d like to congratulate all of our young people on their work and commitment. Results day is exciting and nerve-wracking in equal measure and you should be proud of your achievements. The last few years have seen an unprecedented level of disruption in schools across the country and it is to the credit of our learners and school staff that they have not only returned to pre-pandemic levels of attainment, but are exceeding it across many measures.

“Most importantly, I am pleased to see the attainment gap between our most and least deprived learners is reducing. As a council we are committed to reducing poverty and ensuring equity. Improving the life chances of our children and young people is key. This indicates that our approach to supporting learners through our Strategic Equity Funding is having a positive impact and we will continue with this focus to reduce the attainment gap further across all year groups.

“Our schools resume next week and all staff will be carefully considering these results as they plan for the year ahead to make sure that they provide the best opportunities for their students. They will be supported by our Education Service.

“Support is also available for any young person who is disappointed with their own results through Skills Development Scotland’s helpline. There are many options and avenues available to you so please don’t be discouraged. Learners have shown incredible determination, adaptability and resilience in the last few years and these life skills are as important as any qualification.”

The SQA diet 20223 results do not include Foundation Apprenticeships, college partnership or vocational qualifications.

Skills Development Scotland’s Results Helpline is available on 0808 100 8000 or visit www.myworldofwork.co.uk

Background

An Alternative Certification Model was introduced for examinations in 2019/20 due to Covid lockdown. While assessment resumed in the following year, modifications were introduced in 20/21 and continued to 21/22 across most National 5 to Advanced Higher levels to take account of the levels of disruption.

 

National 2, National 3 and National 4

Achievement	2022/ 23	Compared to 21/22	Compared to 5 year average 2015-19
Number of awards certificated at N2	14	in line with (13)	Higher than (6)
Number of awards certificated at N3	531	Higher than (364)	Higher than (272)
Number of awards certificated at N4	2565	in line with (2551)	Higher than (2238)

 

National 5

Achievement	2022/ 23	Compared to 21/22	Compared to 5 year average 2015-19
% of S4 cohort pupils presented	80%	-2%	-2%
Achievement of A-C grades	76%	-5%	+1%
S4 pupils achieving 1 or more awards or better	75.3%	-2%	-1.4%
S4 pupils achieving 3 or more awards or better	58%	-3.5%	+6%
All groups achieving 5 or more awards	42.2%	-3.6%	+6%
English pass rate	88%	+1%	+1%
Maths pass rate	56%	-10%	-7%

 

Highers

Achievement	2022/ 23	Compared to 21/22	Compared to 5 year average 2015-19
% of S5 cohort pupils presented	72%	in line	in line
Achievement of A-C grades	77%	-4%	in line
End of S5: 1 or more	56%	-1%	in line
End of S5: 3 or more	39%	-2%	+3%
End of S5: 5 or more	20%	-1%	+3.5%
End of S6: 1 or more	60%	-3%	-2%
End of S6: 3 or more	47%	-0.6%	+1.4%
End of S6: 5 or more	34%	-1%	+2
English pass rate	77%	83%	80%
Maths pass rate	78%	81%	74%

 

Advanced Highers

Achievement	2022/ 23	Compared to 21/22	Compared to 5 year average 15-19
% of S6 cohort pupils presented	50%	in line	+9%
Pass rate	76%	-3.8%	-3%
1 or more Advanced Higher	25%	in line	+3%