Preparing for assessments

Learners studying for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses will be assessed through coursework and exams.

For session 2023-24, SQA has removed the temporary assessment modifications that were put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, and reinstated coursework.

Your child’s teachers or lecturers will advise them on how each of their courses will be assessed. SQA has also published a table that summarises how each National Course is assessed, which you can view on the SQA website.

Useful websites

Revision guides

SQA study tips and past papers can help your child to get exam ready, with tips on setting up a successful study planner and taking effective notes. They can also practise for their exams using SQA past papers and marking instructions.

BBC Bitesize: Revision guide: Resources and information to support school work and homework.

Pointers for Parents and Pupils - Supporting Learning and Revision - Revision tips and essential information from the National Parent Forum of Scotland.

National eLearning Offer (NeLO) – Information for parents

Past papers and marking instructions

Download official SQA National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher past papers and marking instructions from the past papers page of the SQA website. Some of the 2022 past papers are labelled ‘modified’. This means SQA made changes to the question paper as part of its temporary modifications to assessment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Your child should check with their teacher before using past papers for revising.

Additional support needs/disabilities

Children who are disabled and/or have additional support needs can get assessment support when they are studying for National Qualifications. You should contact your child’s school to discuss the different types of support available.

SQA can put assessment arrangements in place to support disabled learners or learners with additional support needs during their assessments. View SQA’s assessment arrangement guide for learners..

View more information on Digital SQA exam papers and assessments.

Dyslexia Scotland has leaflets and information to guide learners when studying and preparing for exams.

Enquire have information for parents about support with exams and assessments and advice for young people on their Reach website.

'Nationals in a Nutshell' guides

The National 4 in a Nutshell series summarises the National 4 qualifications from the National Parent Forum of Scotland for parents and carers. Please note that the course assignment (added value unit) for National 4 is optional for 2021 to allow more teaching and learning time.

The National 5 in a Nutshell series summarises the National 5 qualifications from the National Parent Forum of Scotland for parents and carers. 

Highers in a Nutshell is written for parents and carers, these are clear concise guides to Highers. 

Related links

SQA- publish support for parents and carers to help you to support your child if they are studying for National Qualifications.

SQA publish support for learners to help children stay informed and prepare for their assessments in 2023.