The first three years of high school are part of the Broad General Education (BGE).

From S4 onwards, learners may choose one of the following courses, as appropriate to their level:

• National 3 English
• National 4 English
• National 5 English
• Higher English
• Advanced Higher English
• Journalism National Progression Award (Higher equivalent)

Learners can also gain Freestanding Units at National 5 or Higher level, should they not be ready to sit the final examination in May.