Results Day: Greens call for end to 'high-stakes' exam system
With exam results published today, the Scottish Greens have urged the SNP to ditch Scotland's outdated exam system and replace it with continuous assessment.
Writing to the new Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic, the party’s Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education, Laura Moodie, has called on the Government to "be bold and accept the recommendations of the Independent Review of Qualifications and Assessment in full."
The review, led by Professor Louise Hayward and published in 2023, recommended reducing reliance on end-of-year exams and replacing most of them with continuous assessment through the new Scottish Diploma of Achievement.
The Scottish Greens backed the review's recommendations in full. But in 2024, the SNP accepted only some proposals, rejected others, and delayed many of the biggest reforms.
Scottish Greens’ Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education, Laura Moodie said:
"Congratulations to every pupil, teacher, and lecturer across Scotland on reaching results day. Many will be celebrating today, but if your results aren't what you hoped for, remember there are plenty of pathways ahead and support is available.
"For too many young people, everything comes down to a handful of high-stakes exams. That's unfair to students dealing with illness, difficult circumstances at home, or other challenges beyond their control. We need an education system that recognises achievement throughout the year, not just on exam day.
"That's why I've written to the Cabinet Secretary for Education, urging her to be bold and deliver the reforms that Scotland’s exam system has been waiting for.
"Professor Louise Hayward's review gave ministers a clear blueprint for a fairer, more modern system built around continuous assessment. Instead, the SNP accepted some of the recommendations, rejected others and shelved many of the biggest reforms.
"It's not too late. If the Scottish Government now commits to implementing the review in full, it will have the backing of the Scottish Greens, teachers, students and I hope members across Parliament. We would be delighted to work with the Cabinet Secretary to make it happen."