SQA Grades: Explained

Staring at your SQA results and not quite sure what they actually mean? It's frustrating when something as important as your exam results feels like it's written in code. You've worked hard all year, and now you just want to know where you stand.

Understanding SQA grades is actually simpler than it seems once someone breaks it down properly. That's what we're here to do. This guide will explain SQA grades without the complexity, while digging into how your final grade is calculated, and most importantly, what happens next.

Key Takeaways

• SQA grades range from A to D, with A being the highest. Grades A, B, C, and D are passes and "No Award" is not a pass.

• Each grade is divided into bands that give you more detailed feedback about your performance within that grade.

• Your final grade combines coursework and exam marks, so every assessment throughout the year matters.

• A solid pass at National 5 (grades A–C) usually lets you progress to Highers, whilst Higher passes can lead to university or college.

What Are SQA Grades and How Do They Work?

SQA stands for the Scottish Qualifications Authority. They're the organisation that runs exams and awards qualifications in Scotland.

SQA grades apply to several levels of qualifications, including:

• National 5

• Higher

• Advanced Higher

Each of these qualifications uses the same grading structure, but they represent different difficulty levels.

Think of it like a ladder. 

• National 5 is roughly equivalent to GCSE level in England.

• Highers are similar to A Levels.

• Advanced Highers are like an extension to A Levels.

The grading system uses letters (A, B, C, D) to show how well you've done. Within each letter grade, there are also numbered bands that give you even more detail about your performance.

Understanding National 5 Grades

National 5 grades are awarded as letters: A, B, C, D, or No Award.

Here's what each grade means:

Grades A, B, C, and D are all considered passes. However, Grade D is not a strong enough pass to secure a place on Higher courses.

What's the Pass Mark at National 5?

Generally speaking, you need around (opens in a new tab)40% of the total marks (opens in a new tab)* to achieve Grade D at National 5 (to be awarded the course).

To achieve a Grade C pass (generally required to move onto Higher courses), you need around 50% of the total marks*. 

* These boundaries can vary slightly depending on how difficult the exam is each year.

Here's a rough guide to the percentage ranges (opens in a new tab):

• Grade A: Typically 70% and above

• Grade B: Usually 60–69%

• Grade C: Around 50–59%

• Grade D: Approximately 40–49%

Remember, the SQA adjusts these boundaries each year to ensure fairness. If an exam paper is particularly challenging, the pass mark might be slightly lower. If it's easier, it might be slightly higher.

What Do National 5 Grade Bands Mean?

Within each letter grade, the SQA uses numbered bands (opens in a new tab) to give you more precise feedback.

For example, if you get an A grade, you might see:

• Band 1: Upper A

• Band 2: Lower A

The same pattern applies to B and C grades.

Band scores help teachers and colleges understand exactly where you are in your learning. 

Understanding Highers & Advanced Highers Grades

Highers and Advanced Highers use exactly the same grading structure as National 5: A, B, C, D, or No Award.

The main difference is the difficulty level. Higher courses cover more complex content and require deeper understanding. Advanced Highers are even more demanding.

What's the Pass Mark at Higher Level?

Just like National 5, you generally need around 50% to pass a Higher with a Grade C (opens in a new tab).

The approximate percentage thresholds are:

• Grade A: Typically 70% and above

• Grade B: Usually 60–69%

• Grade C: Around 50–59%

• Grade D: Approximately 40–49%

These boundaries are adjusted each year depending on the exam's difficulty.

What Do Higher Grade Bands Mean?

Higher grades also use the band system (Band 1 and Band 2) within each letter grade.

For university applications, your band can sometimes make a difference. For example, the University of Cambridge (opens in a new tab) may not just ask for Grade As, but will look for Grade A, Band 1 (A1) students. 

What Happens If You Get a D or No Award?

While a D is a pass, it is not enough to secure a place on Higher or university courses. Grades A, B, or C are required. 

What Are Your Options?

Getting a D or No Award doesn't mean your education is over. Consider these options:

• Resit the exam: You can retake National 5, Higher, or Advanced Higher exams, but not until the following exam season (May) after retaking the course. Speak to your school about registering.

• Appeal your grade: If you think something went wrong with your marking or grading, you can appeal. Your school can help you with this process.

• Alternative routes: College courses, foundation programmes, and apprenticeships are all valid pathways that don't always require specific grades.

The most important thing is to talk to your teachers or guidance staff. They can help you figure out the best next step for your situation.

How Are SQA Grades Calculated?

Your final SQA grade isn't just based on one exam. It's calculated using multiple components throughout the year.

What Counts Towards Your Grade?

Each subject is slightly different, but usually the final exam is worth around 60–80% of your total mark, with coursework and assessments making up the rest.

• Course assessments: Throughout the year, you'll complete assessments in class. These might be: 

  • Essays

  • Presentations

  • Practical work

  • Tests

• Final exam: At the end of the course, you'll sit an external exam set by the SQA.

• Subject-specific assignments: Some subjects include projects or portfolios that contribute to your final grade.

This is why it's crucial to take all your work seriously throughout the year, not just the final exam. Every assessment is building towards your final grade.

Your teacher marks most of your coursework, but the SQA checks their marking to keep standards fair across all schools in Scotland.

How Do SQA Grades Affect Next Steps?

Your SQA grades open doors to your next stage of education or employment.

Progressing From National 5 to Higher

Most schools require you to achieve at least a Grade C at National 5 to progress to the Higher level in that subject. Some subjects might have stricter requirements.

For example, if you want to study Higher Maths, you'll typically need at least a B in National 5 Maths.

Progressing From Higher to University

Universities set their own entry requirements, which are usually expressed in terms of Higher grades.

A typical university offer might look like: AAAB at Higher level (meaning three A grades and one B grade).

Competitive courses like Medicine or Law often require straight As or even Advanced Highers.

Scottish universities also consider your National 5 results, particularly your English and Maths grades. Many courses require at least a Grade C in National 5 English and Maths. And, some universities, like the University of Edinburgh (opens in a new tab), stipulate that a Grade A in National 5 Maths is required for some undergraduate courses.

Other Pathways

University isn’t the only destination after your secondary education. However, National 5 qualifications are useful for a variety of routes.

• College: Entry requirements vary, but many courses accept Grade C or D at National 5.

• Apprenticeships: Employers often look for National 5 passes in English and Maths.

• Employment: Some jobs require specific qualifications, whilst others value your grades as proof of your abilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a D a Pass or a Fail at National 5?

A Grade D is technically considered a pass, and you will still be awarded the National 5 course. However, only Grades A, B, or C are normally accepted for progressing from National 5 to Higher.

Can You Appeal an SQA Grade?

Yes, you can appeal if you believe your grade is wrong.

The SQA offers an appeals process (opens in a new tab). You must submit your appeal through your school, and there are specific deadlines you need to meet. Your school will advise you on whether an appeal is worth pursuing based on your circumstances.

What Grade Do You Need to Pass Highers?

A Grade D is needed to be awarded the course. But, you need at least a Grade C for university entry. Many courses look for grades B or A, depending on how competitive the programme is.

What Is the Highest Band You Can Get?

The highest band is Band 1 within Grade A.

If you achieve an A1, you've performed at the very top level of the course. This shows exceptional understanding and skill in that subject.

Final Thoughts

Understanding SQA grades doesn't need to be complicated. While a Grade D is a pass, grades A, B, and C are the ones that’ll supercharge your academic trajectory. 

If you're ever unsure what your grades mean or what to do next, speak to your teachers or guidance staff. They're there to help you make the best choices for your future.

Whether you're figuring out what your results mean or taking the first step on your SQA journey, Save My Exams has got you covered with comprehensive teacher-written National 5 and Higher revision resources. Join over 2 million students and teachers using Save My Exams to master what matters - and boost your grades today.

References

SQA - Frequently Asked Questions (opens in a new tab)

SQA - Background to Grade Boundaries (opens in a new tab)

SQA - Results (opens in a new tab)

University of Cambridge - Apply to Cambridge from Scotland (opens in a new tab)

University of Edinburgh - SQA National 5 Requirements (opens in a new tab)

SQA - Appeals (opens in a new tab)