10th August 2021
On SQA Results Day, after an incredibly challenging year, Connect would like to congratulate young people and their teachers on all their hard work.
Eileen Prior, Executive Director of parents’ organisation Connect, said:
‘Young people should be very proud of themselves for getting through this extremely difficult year. We congratulate you all for your resilience and for your spirit of endeavour in what has proven to be a year in which nothing went smoothly or as predicted. The Alternative Certification Model’s approach to assessment for this year’s qualifications appears to have pushed pass rates down from last year but they are still higher than 2019, when there were exams.
‘It’s a big concern that the attainment gap between the pupils from our least and most affluent backgrounds has widened significantly this year. Just as the pandemic’s impact was felt most in poorer communities, so the assessment model this year has further disadvantaged a significant percentage of pupils.
‘For young people who are going to appeal your results, we will do what we can to support campaigns to ensure a fairer, more equitable outcome for those who were unable to do their coursework or their tests, because of the restraints, restrictions and injustices caused by COVID-19. We will also do what we can to help parents/carers navigate the appeals system, as they support their young people.’
If your young person needs help, advice and support on their next steps, Skills Development Scotland is running their helpline from today on 0808 100 8000.