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SQA aims to issue results to pupils by August 4 despite exams being cancelled amid coronavirus crisis


By Scott Maclennan

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The SQA will aim to get results out by August 4.
The SQA will aim to get results out by August 4.

THE Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) is aiming to certify pupil's grades and results by August 4, the chief examiner has revealed.

Fiona Robertson said the SQA is working on an alternative certification model so pupils are recognised for the work that they have done despite the cancellation of this year's exams in response to the coronavirus situation.

The news comes a day after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said schools will close on Friday.

Ms Roberston said: "This is an unprecedented situation, and the closure of schools for an extended period will affect almost every family across Scotland.

"The Scottish Qualifications Authority has recently been working through a range of scenarios in relation to the exam diet, including disruption and postponement.

"However, as the Deputy First Minister has outlined in parliament today, the exam diet in 2020 cannot go ahead and I have been asked by the Deputy First Minister to develop an alternative certification model.

"That work has started, at pace, and I will say more on that as soon as I can. What I can say now is that we want to ensure that we have as much information on the achievements of learners as possible.

"We will work to ensure that learners receive their results no later than August 4, as planned. We are considering more fully the impact this decision will have on our exceptional circumstances and post-results services.

"I fully appreciate that this will be an uncertain time for learners who have worked hard throughout the year and will now, with their families, be worried about what this means for them."

She added that schools and colleges have been asked to continue to work with young people to ensure that any units and coursework are completed and "estimated grades are provided by teachers, drawing on the available evidence gathered throughout the year".

Related article: No exams for Scottish pupils this year in wake of coronavirus


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