SQA School Examination Results 2024

Argyll and Bute Council · 22 August 2024
Back to Community Services Committee — 22 August 2024 and its agenda

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Page 1

ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL         COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE                                                                     
EDUCATION SERVICE                                            22 August 2024 
SQA SCHOOL EXAMINATION RESULTS 2024 
1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 
1.1  The purpose of this report is to provide an update to elected members on
the initial outcome of the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) 2024
examination diet for young people in Argyll and Bute. 
1.2  Following the release of the initial examination results by the SQA in
August, awards for pupils in academic year 2023/24 will be updated by
the SQA in December 2024 following the processing of appeal requests
submitted by candidates or schools. As a consequence of the decisions
associated with these requests, minor changes to the statistical data
contained within this report may occur. 
1.3 It is recommended that the Community Services Committee: 
I. Notes the guidance from the SQA, detailed below at 4.3, about
qualitative comparisons of data over recent years. 
II.  Notes the outcome of the initial SQA examination results for pupils
in academic year 2023/24, and that the performance of Argyll and
Bute Schools in 2024 is above the current national performance in
SQA examinations in two of the four measures (National 4 and
Higher) at A-C, and above all three measures (National 4, Higher
and Advanced Higher) at A-D. 
III.  Requests that the Executive Director provide further reports to the
Community Services Committee to allow the consideration of
updated statistical school and national information, scheduled to
be released by Insight (school data analysis tool) in September
2024 and February 2025.

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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL         COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE 
EDUCATION                                          22 August 2024 
SQA SCHOOL EXAMINATION RESULTS 2024 
2.0 INTRODUCTION 
2.1 On 1st August 2024 the Council received SQA examination results for all
pupils entered for National Qualifications in session 2023/24. This
provided initial information on the outcome of examination performance
for all pupils in each of the ten Argyll and Bute secondary schools.
2.2 The purpose of this report is to inform Elected Members of the initial
outcome of the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) 2024 awards for
young people in Argyll and Bute. A range of statistical information is
provided illustrating performance of pupils across the four National
Qualification measures: 
National 4 
National 5 
Higher 
Advanced Higher 
As has been the case in previous years, all data in this initial attainment
report has been sourced from SEEMiS Business Intelligence Course
Awards data.

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3.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 
3.1 It is recommended that the Community Services Committee: 
I. Notes the guidance from the SQA, detailed below at 4.3, about
qualitative comparisons of data over the last three years, with
reference to ‘pre-pandemic’ data in 2018/19. 
II. Notes the outcome of the initial SQA examination results for pupils
in academic year 2023/24, and that the performance of Argyll and
Bute Schools in 2024 is above the current national performance
in SQA examinations in two of the four measures (National 4 and
Advanced Higher) at A-C, and above in three measures (National
4, National 5, and Advanced Higher) at A-D. 
III. Requests that the Executive Director provide further reports to the
Community Services Committee to allow the consideration of
updated statistical school and national information, scheduled to
be released by Insight (school data analysis tool) in September
2024 and February 2025. 
4.0 DETAIL 
4.1 Pupils in each of the ten secondary schools in Argyll and Bute in S4–S6
were presented for a range of SQA qualifications in May and June of
2024. Following the release of awards, Education Services conducted an
initial analysis of the results to support the preparation of a summary
report for presentation to and consideration by Elected Members. 
4.2 This paper presents a summary overview of the examination outcomes
and draws comparisons of the overall attainment of pupils in Argyll and
Bute with pupils nationally. 
4.3 Although details of SQA attainment data in 2019 and 2022 are supplied
in this paper, and some comparisons have been drawn to aid
contextualisation of this year’s attainment data, it is important to note the
guidance of the SQA regarding the drawing of conclusions about
educational performance over recent years.
In 2022, following the return of exams, SQA adopted a generous
approach to grading. This meant, where required, significant

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adjustments were made to grade boundaries compared to in a normal
year. Setting standards and grading in 2023 continued to be sensitive
to the extent of the ongoing impact of the pandemic.
In 2024 full course assessment, including learners completing of
coursework across a range of courses, often for the first time, returned
to SQA assessments. Marking and grade boundaries also returned to
pre pandemic standards and were less sensitive than 2022 and 2023. 
As a result, there have been significant different approaches to course
content, coursework and awarding in each year since 2019.  This means
that comparisons of attainment between years should be treated with
significant caution and do not allow for conclusions to be drawn on
changes in education performance during this time. 
‘Given the return to full course assessment in 2024, and
the significantly different approaches to awarding
between 2020 and 2023, comparisons with other years
should be treated with some caution, noting that it is not
possible to draw definitive conclusions on any changes
in education performance.’ 
SQA, SQA News 6th August 2024. 
4.4 For A-C grades, the performance of Argyll and Bute schools in 2024 is
above the current National performance in SQA examinations in two of
the four national measures: National 4 and Higher.
Table 1 below present the overall performance of candidates in Argyll
and Bute across all course levels at Grades A-C in years 2022, 2023 and
2024 and, for context, references attainment to ‘pre-pandemic’ data in
2018/19.  It also compares 2024 Argyll and Bute A-C attainment with
2024 national attainment. 
As a result of the cancellation of examinations in 2020 and 2021, and the
adoption of an assessment model based on teacher judgement and
demonstrated attainment, 2020 and 2021 results have not been
included. 
Table 1– A-C Awards 2019, 2022, 2023 and 2024 – A&B/National – National
4, National 5, Higher, Advanced Higher 
Course (A-C)
2018/19
A&B
Attainment
%
2021/22
A&B
Attainment
%
2022/23
A&B
Attainment
%
2023/24
A&B
Attainment
%
A&B
Difference
2023 to
2024
2023/24
National
Attainment
%
Difference
A&B
23/24 to
National
A-C %
Nat 4 100% 100% 100% 100% 0.00% 84.50% 15.50%
Nat 5 79.43% 78.62% 76.93% 75.57% -1.36% 77.20% -1.63%

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Higher 73.19% 79.51% 77.12% 72.02% -5.10% 74.90% -2.88%
Adv H 75.68% 83.72% 79.44% 76.43% -3.01% 75.30% 1.13%   
Our National 4 course pass rate is 100%. 
Our National 5 A-C pass rate has reduced by 1.36% on 2023.  It also remains
3.86% below the 2019 pre pandemic level.  In 2024 it is 1.63% below the
national measure for National 5. 
Our Higher A-C pass rate has reduced by 5.1% on 2023 figure.  This is also
1.17% below the 2019 pre pandemic level.   In 2024 it is 2.88% below the
national measure for Higher. 
Our Advanced Higher A-C pass rate has reduced by 3.01% on 2023 figure
however it is 0.75% above the 2019 pre pandemic level.  In 2024 it is also
1.13% above the national measure for Advanced Higher.

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4.5 For A-D grades, the performance of Argyll and Bute schools in 2024 is
above the current National performance in SQA examinations in three of
the national measures: National 4, National 5, Higher and Advanced
Higher. 
Table 2 below present the overall performance of candidates in Argyll and
Bute across all course levels at Grades A-D, and, for context, compares
attainment in the academic years 2019, 2022, 2023 and 2024.  It also
compares 2024 Argyll and Bute A-D attainment with 2024 national
attainment.
As with A-C awards, it is not valid to include comparisons with 2020 and
2021 for the reasons detailed above.
Table 2 – A-D Awards 2019, 2022, 2023 and 2024 – A&B/National – National
4, National 5, Higher, Advanced Higher
Course  (A-D)
2018/19
A&B
Attainment
%
2021/22
A&B
Attainment
%
2022/23
A&B 
Attainment
%
2023/24
A&B
Attainment
%
Difference
2023 to
2024
2023/24
National
Attainment
%
Difference
A&B
23/24 to
National
A-D %
Nat 4 100% 100% 100% 100.00% 0% 84.50% 15.50% 
Nat 5 92.00% 91.78% 90.67% 89.15% -1.52% 89.10% 0.05%
Higher 91.38% 92.62% 92.07% 89.32% -2.75% 89.50% -0.18%
Adv H 87.64% 96.51% 93.03% 90.45% -2.58% 89.90% 0.55%

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Summary: 
• As noted previously, our National 4 course pass rate is 100%. 
• Our National 5 A-D pass rate has reduced by 1.52% on 2023 figure
and is 2.85% below the 2019 pre-pandemic figure. The Argyll &
Bute National 5 pass rate at A-D is 89.15% and above the national
figure by 0.05%, this is the second consecutive year of above
national performance. 
• Our Higher A-D pass rate has reduced on 2023 by 2.75% and is
also 2.06% below the 2019 pre-pandemic figure.  The Argyll and
Bute Higher A-D pass rate is 89.32%, 0.18% below the 2024
national figure. 
• Our Advanced Higher A-D pass rate has reduced by 2.58% on 2023
figure, however is 2.81% above the 2019 pre-pandemic figure.  
The Argyll & Bute 2024 Advanced Higher pass rate is 90.45%,
0.55% above the national, contributing to a 3 year trend of
exceeding national performance at Advanced Higher. 
4.6 Tables 3 and 4 present the overall performance of Argyll and Bute
Secondary Schools (table 3 A-C, table 4 A-D) across all course levels
between the academic years 2019 and 2024 (excluding 2020 and 2021),
allowing each school to be compared with the Argyll and Bute average
attainment figure and the national average attainment figure. 
Table 3 – SQA data for Individual secondary schools – National 4, National
5, Higher and Advanced Higher in 2019, 2022, 2023 and 2024 – A-C Grades 
Diet
Year
Cour
se A-
C 
CGS DGS HA IHS  LJC OHS RA Tar A Ti
HS
To
HS A&B Nation
al
2024
NAT
4
100
%
100
%
100
%
100
%
100
%
100
%
100
% 100% 100
% 100% 100
% 84.5%

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2023
NAT
4
100
%
100
%
100
%
100
%
100
%
100
%
100
% 100% 100
% 100% 100
% 87.8%
2022
NAT
4
100
%
100
%
100
%
100
%
100
%
100
%
100
% 100% 100
% 100% 100
% 86.1%
2019
NAT
4
100
%
100
%
100
%
100
%
100
%
100
%
100
% 100% 100
% 100% 100
% 88.5%
2024
NAT
5 
71.5
%
78.0
%
77.5
%
79.2
%
72.7
%
80.7
%
48.3
%
74.0
%
95.3
%
69.5
%
75.6
% 77.2%
2023
NAT
5 
75.1
%
77.4
%
78.8
%
88.4
%
73.9
%
77.1
%
71.0
%
79.9
%
65.7
%
70.2
%
76.9
% 78.8%
2022
NAT
5 
70.9
%
79.3
%
85.1
%
86.0
%
76.3
%
75.2
%
78.1
%
66.4
%
60.5
%
77.5
%
78.6
% 80.8%
2019
NAT
5 
72.6
%
83.8
%
83.8
%
85.5
%
79.2
%
73.8
%
65.7
%
88.3
%
67.6
%
80.6
%
79.4
% 78.2%
2024
Highe
r
58.0
%
78.7
%
72.2
%
82.9
%
70.6
%
75.5
%
57.6
%
74.2
%
58.3
%
64.3
%
72.0
% 74.9%
2023
Highe
r
68.1
%
79.5
%
80.5
%
90.9
%
75.1
%
79.2
%
65.8
%
57.7
%
50.0
%
68.8
%
77.1
% 77.1%
2022
Highe
r
73.0
%
78.3
%
84.8
%
85.3
%
82.2
%
74.9
%
70.9
%
64.2
%
76.5
%
91.4
%
79.5
% 78.9%
2019
Highe
r
67.4
%
75.9
%
78.3
%
73.3
%
70.1
%
70.6
%
53.9
%
66.7
%
50.0
%
77.4
%
73.2
% 74.8%
2024
Adv
H
69.6
%
81.6
%
80.3
%
46.2
%
82.9
%
74.5
%
66.7
%
50.0
% NP* 100% 76.4
% 75.3%
2023
Adv
H
64.3
%
83.3
%
78.7
%
75.0
%
71.7
%
88.5
%
81.8
%
81.8
% NP* 80.0
%
79.4
% 79.8%
2022
Adv
H
76.9
%
73.3
%
87.0
%
94.7
%
75.9
%
85.4
%
73.7
%
100.0
% NP* 100.0
%
83.7
% 81.3%
2019 Adv
H
80.0
%
69.6
%
79.6
%
81.8
%
94.4
%
51.7
%
76.5
%
66.7
%
33.3
%
76.9
%
75.7
% 79.4%     
*No Presentations 
Table 4 – SQA data for Individual secondary schools – National 4, National
5, Higher and Advanced Higher in 2019, 2022, 2023 and 2024 – A-D Grades 
Diet
Year
Cour
se A-
D
CGS DGS HA IHS LJC OHS RA Tar
A
Ti
HS
To
HS A&B Nation
al
2024
NAT
4
100
%
100
%
100
%
100
%
100
%
100
%
100
%
100
%
100
%
100
%
100
% 84.5%
2023
NAT
4
100
%
100
%
100
%
100
%
100
%
100
%
100
%
100
%
100
%
100
%
100
% 87.8%
2022
NAT
4
100
%
100
%
100
%
100
%
100
%
100
%
100
%
100
%
100
%
100
%
100
% 86.1%
2019
NAT
4
100
%
100
%
100
%
100
%
100
%
100
%
100
%
100
%
100
%
100
%
100
% 88.5%
2024
NAT
5 
84.8
%
91.0
%
89.5
%
90.8
%
87.9
%
93.2
%
68.5
%
88.6
%
100
%
91.1
%
89.2
% 89.1%
2023
NAT
5 
90.5
%
90.3
%
91.8
%
97.1
%
89.0
%
90.9
%
87.3
%
91.0
%
88.6
%
86.9
%
90.7
% 90.5%
2022
NAT
5 
87.9
%
92.1
%
95.4
%
96.5
%
90.0
%
90.2
%
91.8
%
83.2
%
76.3
%
90.7
%
91.8
% 92.1%
2019
NAT
5 
90.3
%
92.8
%
93.8
%
96.4
%
92.5
%
89.9
%
84.5
%
97.7
%
82.4
%
93.2
%
92.0
% 90.7%
2024
Highe
r
82.5
%
91.8
%
90.2
%
95.1
%
86.1
%
90.2
%
83.3
%
87.1
%
91.7
%
91.4
%
89.3
% 89.5%
2023
Highe
r
88.9
%
95.3
%
92.1
%
98.7
%
88.9
%
93.4
%
86.6
%
90.4
%
87.5
%
89.1
%
92.1
% 90.5%
2022
Highe
r
89.2
%
91.7
%
94.4
%
96.8
%
94.4
%
90.8
%
91.3
%
86.6
%
94.1
%
96.6
%
92.6
% 91.5%
2019
Highe
r
88.2
%
92.6
%
93.3
%
95.8
%
89.0
%
89.9
%
84.4
%
89.3
%
75.0
%
93.5
%
91.4
% 89.9%
2024
Adv
H
91.3
%
95.9
%
90.6
%
84.6
%
91.4
%
89.4
%
83.3
%
75.0
% NP 100
%
90.4
% 89.9%
2023
Adv
H
92.9
%
91.7
%
92.6
%
100
%
91.3
%
96.2
%
81.8
%
100
% NP* 100
%
93.0
% 92.7%
2022
Adv
H
96.2
%
100
%
99.3
%
94.7
%
89.7
%
89.6
%
94.7
%
100
% NP* 100
%
96.5
% 93.4%

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2019
Adv
H
80.0
%
87.0
%
86.9
%
100
%
100
%
69.0
%
100
%
100
%
100
%
92.3
%
87.6
% 87.8%      
*No Presentations
Key to School abbreviations 
CGS Campbeltown Grammar School
DGS Dunoon Grammar School
HA Hermitage Academy
IHS Islay High School
LJC Lochgilphead Joint Campus
OHS Oban High School
RJC Rothesay Joint Campus
TAR A Tarbert Academy
TI HS Tiree High School
TO HS Tobermory High School
Summary: 
• In 2024, all 10 secondary schools maintained their 100% course
pass rate for National 4.
• At A-C, five of our secondary schools were above the 2024
national average measure for National 5.
At A-D, six of our secondary schools were above the 2024
national average measure for National 5. 
• At A-C, three of our secondary schools were above the 2024
national average measure for Higher. 
At A-D, six of our secondary schools were above the 2024
national average measure for Higher. 
• At A-C, four of our secondary schools were above the 2024
national average for Advanced Higher. 
At A-D, five of our secondary schools were above the 2024
national average for Advanced Higher.
One school did not present at Advanced Higher level. It should be noted
that, as a result of the small number of presentations for Advanced
Higher, statistical variance at this level must be carefully interpreted.
For example, 100% pass rate can be as a result of one pupil being
presented for a subject at Advanced Higher.
4.7 Overall, percentage pass rate data should be interpreted very carefully
as schools have positive presentation policies that are designed to
encourage pupils to achieve success at the highest level of qualification
that they can. In some instances, and for some pupils, this may mean
that they receive a D grade within a qualification level, which is a

Page 10

recognised award. It is also the policy in Argyll and Bute, as with other
local authorities, that full discussion and consideration of both pupil and
parent views are reflected in the final decision to continue with a course
and to sit the external examination.
4.8 This policy may result in circumstances where pupils are given the
opportunity to attempt a level that they may find challenging, as it may
be their last opportunity to do so, for example in S6. Schools will offer
these pupils the opportunity to sit the exam to improve their positive
destination chances, such as access to Higher or Further Education.
4.9 As a Local Authority we offer a wide range of opportunities that help to
meet the needs of our individual learners, whilst also supporting a
variety of pathways into secure, sustainable positive destinations.
The results reported within this briefing note do not include the following
presentations for our young people at this time:
1) College courses at levels 4, 5 and 6
2) National Progression Awards (NPA) at levels 4, 5 and 6
3) Skills for Work Awards at levels 4, 5 and 6
4) Foundation Apprenticeships at level 6
5) Presentation of S3 pupils at levels 4 and 5
6)  NQ awards at Nationals 1-3 (no formal examination)
In recent years such qualifications and accreditations have increased
individual school attainment levels considerably, once added after the
release of Insight data in February. Final attainment and achievement
cannot be measured until this time.
5.0 Appeals
5.1 The SQA Appeals Service for 2024 provides learners with the
opportunity to request a marking review if they have concerns about
their certificated grade. The appeals service is free and open for
learners to appeal either directly to SQA, or through their school.
Candidates who have concerns about their grade and think there may
have been an error with the marking of their exam question paper(s) or
coursework, can request a marking review by SQA. Since 2023 the
appeals service does not entail alternative assessment evidence (e.g.
prelim evidence from schools) being submitted or considered.
The SQA marking review checks that: 
• all parts of SQA assessments have been marked

Page 11

• the marking is in line with national standards;
• the marks given for each answer have been added up correctly; and
• the correct result has been entered on the SQA system.
Following review, the candidate’s grade can go up, stay the same, or go down.
Priority Appeals continue to be available to those with university,
college or employment offers pending. SQA have sent directly to every
candidate a copy of their Appeals Process Guidance.
The appeals service will open on Results Day, Tuesday 6 August 2024
at 9 am, and the learner direct submission deadlines are:
• Tuesday 13 August at 11.59 pm for priority appeals
• Tuesday 27 August at 11.59pm for all other appeals 
An appeal can only be prioritised if there is a conditional place at
university or college, or in training or employment that is dependent on
the grade.
6.0 CONCLUSION 
6.1 This report presents a summary of the initial analysis of the 2024 SQA external
examination outcomes for Argyll and Bute pupils at authority level and in each of
the ten secondary schools.
6.2 In 2024 the performance of Argyll and Bute schools compared relatively positively
with national measures. For results at A-C and A-D, Argyll and Bute attainment is
higher than the national average for five out of eight measures.
6.3 The Education Service are taking forward a refreshed programme of support and
challenge with all schools across the authority, involving a range of actions and
measures to support schools to secure further improvement in examination
outcomes for pupils.  In the autumn, all secondary schools will participate in an
Attainment Meeting with the Executive Director, Heads of Education and the
Education Manager and Officer, at which HTs will present in-depth analysis of all
aspects of their schools’ attainment, and indicate key areas of focus for
improvement.
6.4 A further report on Educational Attainment and Wider Achievement will be
presented to Community Services Committee in December 2024 following the
publication of updated national performance information on Insight released in
September of each year.

Page 12

7.0 IMPLICATIONS
7.1 Policy This report links directly to Outcome 3 in the Argyll and
Bute Outcome Improvement Plan: Education, Skills
and Training Maximise Opportunities for All.
7.2 Financial    None
7.3  Legal    None
7.4  HR     None
7.5  Fairer Scotland Duty:
7.5.1   Equalities - protected characteristics
7.5.2   Socio-economic Duty
7.5.3 Islands 
7.6 Climate Change 
7.7 Risk  The performance of Argyll and Bute schools in
national examinations can significantly enhance or
detract from the Council’s reputation and
attractiveness as an area to work and live in.
7.8  Customer Service This report provides Elected Members with an
overview of Service Performance.
7.9 The Rights of the Child (UNCRC) that every young person is given the
opportunity to succeed. 
Douglas Hendry - Executive Director with responsibility for Education 
Councillor Audrey Forrest - Policy Lead for Education 
For further information contact:
Jennifer Crocket, Chief Education Officer and Head of Service (Wellbeing,
Inclusion and Achievement)
Email: Jennifer.Crocket@argyll-bute.gov.uk
Telephone: 01546 604288                                                  
Wendy Brownlie, Head of Service: Education (Performance and Improvement)
Email: wendy.brownlie@argyll-bute.gov.uk 
Telephone: 01369 707118