Scottish School Grades: What Does a 'D' Really Mean?

A common question arises: what does a 'D' grade actually signify in the context of Scottish National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher courses?

The answer, as confirmed by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), is straightforward: a 'D' grade is indeed a passing grade.

The Grading Landscape:

Scottish National Qualifications are assessed and graded using a system of A to D, with A representing the highest achievement and D the lowest. This system applies across the board, from National 5 (often compared to GCSEs in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland) to Higher and Advanced Higher courses.

The Significance of a 'D':

* Official Pass: 'D' grade signifies that the student has successfully passed the course. This means they have met the minimum requirements and have been awarded the qualification.

* Percentage Range: 'D' typically corresponds to a score between 40% and 49% in the course assessment. This indicates a level of understanding that meets the minimum requirements, but may require further study or revision for future academic pursuits.

* No Award Threshold: Conversely, any score below 40% results in a "No Award" result. This signifies that the student did not meet the course requirements and has not been awarded the qualification.

* Higher Education: Highers are often the standard entry requirement for higher education in Scotland, and a grade D is still a valid pass. However, some courses may require candidates to achieve a higher grade (e.g., A, B, or C) to be offered a place on the course.

A Comparative Perspective:

It's important to note the differences between the Scottish grading system and those used in other parts of the UK. While National 5s are roughly equivalent to GCSEs, the grading scales differ. GCSEs use a 9-1 scale, with a 4 or above considered a pass. A-Levels in the UK are similar to Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers. However, A-Levels have an additional A* as the top grade and an E grade as the lowest, which is still a passing grade. Again, to gain entry to higher education, many courses require certain grades or UCAS points.

The School Guides Data

If you are comparing school exam results, please check what data is being published. Here in the School Guide magazine, we publish the percentage of pass marks (e.g., A to D grades) for state schools. However, independent schools often show the percentage of students gaining the top marks (A-B) rather than just a pass.