What Is the Scottish Equivalent of GCSEs?

If you’re moving from England to Scotland, or just curious about how education works in different parts of the UK, you might be wondering what the Scottish equivalent of GCSEs is.

While GCSEs are used in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, Scotland uses a different system altogether. In Scotland, the closest equivalent to GCSEs is a qualification called the National 5 (often shortened to Nat 5). 

Here’s what you need to know about what National 5s are, how they compare to GCSEs, and what happens if you switch education systems.

National 5s: The Scottish GCSE Equivalent

The Scottish GCSE equivalent is a National 5. National 5s are usually taken by Scottish students in S4 (age 15–16), which is the same age at which most students in England sit their GCSEs. 

They are part of Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) and are regulated by the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).

Students typically study around six to eight National 5 subjects, including core subjects such as English and Maths, similar to GCSEs.

In terms of academic level, National 5s are Level 5 on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF), which is considered the same level as GCSEs graded 4-9 in England. 

Grading runs from A to D. A-C are considered pass grades, while a D grade shows you met the basics but didn’t fully satisfy the course criteria.

Differences Between GCSEs and National 5s

Age studied

In England, students typically study for GCSEs over two years, with final exams taken in Year 11, when students are aged between 15 and 16. In Scotland, students take National 5s in S4, which is also the school year when most turn 15 or 16. 

So, although the names are different, the stage of learning is roughly the same.

Framework level

Both GCSEs and National 5s are seen as equivalent in their own countries. They sit at similar levels on different frameworks: Level 2 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework in England and Level 5 on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework.

Assessment style

GCSEs and National 5s both involve a mix of exams and coursework, though this varies by subject. In both systems, some subjects rely mostly on final exams, while others (like Art or Design) include a portfolio or practical task. 

In Scotland, National 5 coursework may be referred to as “assignments”. While teachers mark some coursework, most is assessed by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).

Grading System

GCSEs are graded from 9 to 1, with a grade of 4 or above typically considered a pass. National 5s use A to D, with A-C counted as passes. A D grade means you've met the minimum standard, but not quite enough for a full pass. 

There’s no direct match between every grade, but roughly, a Grade 4 or 5 at GCSE aligns with a National 5 Grade C or B.

Subjects Taken

Most students in England take around 8 to 10 GCSEs, while Scottish students usually take 6 or 7 National 5s. The core subjects, such as English, Maths, and Sciences, are included in both, but the Scottish system also offers options like Modern Studies or Scottish History, which reflect local culture and politics.

Next study step

After GCSEs, students in England typically progress to A Levels, BTECs, or apprenticeships in sixth form or college. In Scotland, students who pass their National 5s go on to study Highers in S5, which are equivalent in level to AS or A Levels and can lead directly to university.

What Happens If I Move From England to Scotland?

If you’re partway through your GCSE studies and move to Scotland, you’ll begin working towards national qualifications instead.

Starting point

Your age and qualifications will determine which phase you join upon your move. The senior phase in Scotland’s education system is for young people aged 15-18, so if you’re already in this age bracket, you’ll probably start your National 5 studies straightaway. 

If you’re younger, you may join S3 instead and ease into your National 5 studies over two years. 

Previous GCSE work

If you’ve already started GCSEs and completed some of the study, your prior knowledge will be helpful, but you’ll be following the Scottish curriculum and textbooks from this point onwards.

Assessments

Expect to sit exams during the Scottish exam season in May and possibly complete coursework or projects as part of your National 5 courses.

Progression pathway

With good National 5s (grades A-C), you'll be eligible to move into Highers in S5, which is the equivalent of starting A Levels in England. Highers are your pathway to entering university.

Transferring GCSE results

Some schools might recognise any completed GCSE passes you have, particularly in English and Maths. However, they may still ask you to sit the National 5 exams in those subjects for consistency and official SQA certification.

If you’re moving after your GCSEs, your grades will determine whether you’re ready to start studying Highers. The staff at your new school will use information from your old school, such as data, reports, and predicted grades, to ensure you’re on the correct courses and studying at the best level for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are National 5s harder than GCSEs?

National 5s are broadly similar in difficulty to GCSEs, but the style and assessment methods differ. 

While both qualifications test similar skills and knowledge, National 5s often include more coursework or practical elements and use a different grading scale. The difficulty level varies depending on the subject and the individual learner.

Can I convert my GCSE grades into National 5 grades?

You cannot directly convert GCSE grades into National 5 grades because they use different grading systems and assessment criteria. 

However, both qualifications are considered equivalent at a similar level within the UK’s education framework. Universities and colleges often recognise them as comparable for entry purposes.

What comes after National 5s in Scotland?

After completing National 5s, students typically progress to Higher qualifications, which are more advanced and are usually studied in the following school years. 

Highers are crucial for university entry in Scotland and offer a deeper level of study in chosen subjects.

Can I go to university in Scotland with GCSEs?

GCSEs alone are generally insufficient to gain university entry in Scotland. 

Universities usually require Higher qualifications or equivalent post-16 qualifications for admission. However, GCSEs are important for progressing to Higher courses and demonstrating foundational skills.

Boost Your Grades With Save My Exams

Feeling stressed ahead of your exams? Join over 2 million students who use Save My Exams, the leading online revision platform. 

On average, students who use Save My Exams improve by two grades thanks to our comprehensive resources. From past papers and revision notes to exam-style questions tailored to your specific course, our revision tools help you to study smarter, not harder. 

Created by teachers and examiners who know exactly what you need to revise to achieve the best grades, our resources help students to save time and get straight to the content you need. 

Explore Our GCSE Revision Resources

References

About the 3-18 curriculum

Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework

Qualifications can cross boundaries – a guide to comparing qualifications in the UK and Ireland.

Know Your SCQF Level - Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework