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This week the SQA has released material reviewing its handling of the 2024 exam period, and specifically the way in which National 4, National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications were awarded after the removal of all additional support from the Covid era.

The exam board says that the research was based on thousands of responses from students, teachers and lecturers, and that key findings have been “shared with the wider education community to inform their decision making” – a statement that suggests that if changes are needed, they won’t be coming from the SQA.

The publications include analysis of responses from students, which are more mixed than some might expect, and people referred to as ‘Senior appointees and Qualifications Development colleagues’, which refers to those working directly with and for the SQA. Unsurprisingly, that latter group – many of whom have an obvious personal interest in defending the status quo – was broadly positive.

But it is the responses from teachers that really stand out and which should, in a sensible and properly functioning education system, set off a whole........

© Herald Scotland