Ross calls for independent review into 13% fall in Higher history pass rate

Former Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross has called for an independent review to investigate the surge in pupils failing this year’s Higher history exam.

The number of learners who passed the exam with an A, B or C grade fell 13%.

Following a backlash from pupils, teachers and politicians, the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) announced an internal review into the matter, which was then reviewed by the Welsh qualifications body.

The report found marking and grading processes worked as intended, with the blame lying with poor answers from pupils.

Appearing before Holyrood’s Education Committee on Wednesday, SQA chief executive Fiona Robertson told MSPs she fully stands by the review.

Pressed by Mr Ross, who convenes the committee, she said she is “happy” to consider an independent review but does not think it is necessary.

Mr Ross said to Ms Robertson: “If you are so confident in this report and the findings are very clear and categorical, why not say let’s have a wholly independent review that will then surely just confirm everything that was in the internal review that was externally verified.”

The Highlands and Islands MSP said an independent review would have the trust of teachers, students and markers – some of whom have questioned the conclusions of the review.

Ms Robertson told the committee: “I have undertaken this work in line with the responsibilities I have and I stand by the report’s conclusions.”

Asked what prevented her from calling an independent review, she added: “There is nothing that stops either myself or indeed the Cabinet Secretary commissioning an independent review.

“However, what I said at the start of the discussion today was that we were keen to ensure the evidence led us to whatever conclusions were required.

“I don’t think, on the basis of the report and the conclusions of the report, that further investigation is required.”

Speaking to Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth, Mr Ross said concerns from students, teachers and markers had been raised with several MSPs who were “unhappy” with the review.

He said: “Given all of that, are you still content this review is the end of the matter and Fiona Robertson has your full 100% confidence?”

Ms Gilruth said while she recognises concerns raised by some in the profession, she has confidence in the SQA.

She added that significant fluctuations in exam results happen every year.

Labour MSP Pam Duncan-Glancy also questioned the objectivity of the report.

She said she is concerned that the row over the Higher history exam could have “long-term implications” for trust in the system.

She told the committee: “We’ve heard from some teachers and pupils that the results of the report that have come out, and I’ll quote some, they’ve said it was a gut punch, they’ve said it was insulting, they felt people had suffered injustice and it means there is a lack of trust.”

Ms Robertson told the MSP that the review was not undertaken by those involved in the award of this year’s Higher history results. She added that most teachers will work for the SQA to mark exams at some point in their careers.

Ms Gilruth said the Scottish Government is happy with and has accepted the review.