School Qualifications
Progression in Qualifications
| S3 and S4 | S5 | S6 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Grade (Foundation level) or Access 3 | Intermediate 1 | Intermediate 2 |
| Standard Grade (General level) or Intermediate 1 | Intermediate 2 | Higher |
| Standard Grade (Credit level) or Intermediate 2 | Higher | Advanced Higher |
The vast majority of Scottish pupils take Scottish Qualifications Certificate qualifications provided by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). Generally, most pupils take Standard Grades (but some schools offer Intermediates instead) in S3-S4, and Highers in S5. For those who wish to remain at school for the final year (S6), more Highers and Advanced Highers (formerly CSYS) in S6 can be taken. Intermediate 1 and Intermediate 2 qualifications - were intended to be roughly equivalent to General and Credit Level Standard Grades respectively, but in practice (although may vary from subject to subject), Intermediate 1 is easier than General, and Intermediate 2 harder than Credit - can also be taken in lieu of any of the aforementioned qualifications.
Pupils can go to university at the end of S5, as Highers provide the entry requirements for Scottish universities where degrees are normally four years long; however, recently it is more common for students to remain until S6, taking further Highers and/or taking Advanced Highers.
All educational qualifications in Scotland are part of the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework.
Read more about this topic: Education In Scotland
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