Understanding Today’s Qualifications: A Guide for Parents

We know that many parents and carers want to support their child’s learning but feel unsure about how current qualifications compare to the system they remember. While education has changed in structure and language, many aspects are more familiar than they first appear.

This section is designed to help explain what today’s qualifications roughly equate to and what that means in practice for pupils.

At Rosshall, the Senior Phase usually runs from S4 to S6. Unlike the system many parents will remember, qualifications are not fixed to a single year group.

This means that young people may study National qualifications at different points during the Senior Phase, depending on their needs, progress and future plans.

National 3, National 4 and National 5 – What do these compare to?

National 5
This is broadly comparable to Standard Grade Credit level.

  • Assessed through a final exam and, in many subjects, coursework, a folio and/ or an assignment
  • Expected for pupils aiming to progress to Highers in S5
  • Requires independent study, homework completion and exam preparation

National 4
This is broadly comparable to Standard Grade General level.

  • No final external exam- all internally (in school) assessed
  • Assessed through coursework, unit passes and an Added Value Unit (like an assignment)
  • Focuses on building skills and confidence rather than exam performance

National 4 is a valuable qualification and a positive outcome, particularly for pupils who benefit from ongoing assessment rather than exams.

National 3
This is broadly comparable to Standard Grade Foundation level.

  • Focuses on core skills and understanding
  • Internally assessed
  • Often part of a supported or stepped learning pathway
  • Is normally the minimum we expect of all of our pupils, no matter the barriers they may face

National 3 helps pupils build confidence and skills and can be part of a progression route to National 4.

Highers

Highers are broadly similar to Higher Grade qualifications from the past, but with some key differences:

  • Usually taken in S5 and S6
  • Greater emphasis on:
    • independent learning
    • extended writing
    • critical thinking
    • essential for entry into University and some College courses
  • Final exams are important and coursework often contributes to the overall grade- normally in the form of an assignment or folio.

Highers are demanding and represent a significant step up from National 5, particularly in terms of workload and expectations.

What does this mean for parents?

You may notice that:

  • pupils of the same age are studying different levels
  • a pupil may move between levels across years
  • qualifications do not always follow a “straight line”

This is normal within the Scottish system and reflects a focus on individual success, not comparison with others.

  • A National 5 in S5 or S6 carries exactly the same value as one achieved in S4
  • Colleges, employers and training providers understand these pathways

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does my child have to achieve National 5 in S4?
    No. National 5 can be taken in S4, S5 or S6.
  • Is a National 5 in S5 or S6 worth less than one in S4?
    No. It is exactly the same qualification.
  • If my child doesn’t move straight on to Highers, are they falling behind?
    No. Many pupils take more time to build skills and still move on to positive destinations.
  • Do colleges and employers understand these pathways?
    Yes. Colleges, employers and training providers are very familiar with Scottish Senior Phase pathways.
  • Why are pupils of the same age doing different levels?
    Because young people develop at different rates. Pathways are based on what best supports success.
  • Can plans change during the Senior Phase?
    Yes. Pathways are reviewed regularly and can be adjusted if needed.