Commenting on the publication of the Scottish exam results, Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT, the fastest growing teachers’ union in Scotland, said:
“Yet again we have another outstanding set of exam results which are a testament to the hard work of pupils and the dedication and commitment of their teachers.
“The record number of young people achieving university places is particularly significant given that that this year saw the first students sit the new Advanced Highers. The rise in the number of students securing passes in vocational subjects is also to be welcomed and is a sign of the increasing status of vocational education, which for too long has been unjustly maligned.
“However, these results have been achieved against a backdrop of considerable anxiety and concern by pupils and teachers about the content, structure and consistency of the exams since the restructuring of the qualifications system was undertaken.
“Going forward it will be critical that the concerns flagged up with particular examination subjects are investigated and addressed and that the issue of the levels of continuity and coherence in the transition between each stage of the examinations system is assessed.
“Teachers have also been faced with increased bureaucracy as a result of the qualifications reforms, with too many schools failing to put in place the measures recommended by the Government to address excessive workload and support teachers to focus on meeting the needs of their students.
“Given that the Education Minister has already acknowledged the excessive burdens which have been placed on schools by the bureaucracy surrounding the qualifications changes, he must now be clear on the levers which will be used to address this and ensure teachers experience a genuine positive change which will enable them to continue to help pupils achieve exam success.”
Jane Peckham, NASUWT National Official Scotland, said:
“Continued exam success requires action by the Scottish Government to create the conditions that will support teachers to continue to deliver the best education for all pupils.
“The Scottish Government cannot rely on the goodwill and commitment of teachers to continue to achieve the success seen in today’s results.”
