What is National 5? Everything You Need To Know

National 5s can feel confusing at first, especially when teachers and parents talk about them like everyone already knows everything about them. 

Understanding what National 5s are and how they work makes a huge difference to how prepared you'll feel. Our guide will dive into everything you need to know about National 5 qualifications in Scotland. We'll explain what a National 5 is, how they're assessed, what subjects you can take, and why they matter for your future. Read on to find out more.

Key Takeaways

• National 5s are Scottish qualifications usually taken in S4 (around age 15-16) and sit at SCQF Level 5.

• You'll typically take 6-8 subjects, including compulsory subjects like English and Maths, plus optional choices.

• Grades range from A to D with assessments combining coursework and final exams.

• National 5s open doors to Highers, college courses, apprenticeships, and future career opportunities.

What Is National 5?

National 5 is a qualification you take in secondary school in Scotland, usually during S4 (fourth year). It sits at SCQF Level 5, which is part of the (opens in a new tab)Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (opens in a new tab).

Think of the SCQF as a ladder showing the difficulty of different qualifications in Scotland. Level 5 sits somewhere in the middle, showing that National 5s are solid qualifications that require real effort and skill.

National 5s are roughly equivalent to GCSEs (the qualifications taken in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland). If you've heard older family members talk about "Standard Grades," National 5s replaced those in 2013 (opens in a new tab).

What Subjects Can You Take at National 5?

You've got plenty of choice when it comes to National 5 subjects. Most schools ask you to take English and Maths, as these are considered essential skills for life and work. After that, you'll usually choose additional subjects based on what your school offers. Bear in mind, some schools stipulate that a science and a language must be selected.

Common National 5 subjects include:

This is not an exhaustive list. The Scottish Qualifications Authority offers National 5s in over 45 subjects (opens in a new tab), though not every school will offer every subject.

Most students take between 6 and 8 National 5 subjects, depending on their school and personal choices.

How Are National 5 Courses Structured?

National 5 courses run across the school year, typically starting in August and building up to exams in May or June.

Each course is worth 24 SCQF credit points (opens in a new tab). These represent the amount of learning for a qualification. More points = more learning time. Throughout the year, you'll learn the content and develop your skills through lessons and homework. Depending on your subject, you might have coursework or practical assessments that are marked by your teacher.

Many National 5 subjects include:

• Regular classwork and homework

• Internal assessments or assignments

• Practical work (in subjects like Science, PE, or Art)

• A final exam at the end of the year

The balance between coursework (often called ‘assignments’) and exams varies by subject. Some subjects, like Physics, are roughly 80% exam-based, while others, like Art and Design, are around 80% coursework and portfolio.

Most schools hold "prelim" exams in January or February. These mock exams give you practice under exam conditions and help you see where you need to focus your revision.

How Are National 5s Assessed and Graded?

National 5s are graded from A to D, with A being the highest grade available and D still counting as a pass.

If you score below the minimum required for a D, you'll receive "No Award", which means you haven't passed that particular course.

Here's what each grade roughly means:

The exact marks needed for each grade (called "grade boundaries") can vary slightly from year to year, depending on how difficult the exam was. The (opens in a new tab)SQA publishes these grade boundaries (opens in a new tab) after results day.

Most National 5 courses combine two elements:

1. Coursework or assignments – completed during the year and marked either by your teacher or sent to the SQA.

2. Final exam – taken in May or June and marked by external examiners.

What Happens After National 5?

Passing your National 5s opens up several different pathways for your future.

The most common next step is progressing to Highers in S5.

Highers are equivalent to A Levels and usually require passing National 5s at grade C or above. Most students take four or five Higher subjects, which are then used for university applications. But, Highers aren’t the only route open to you. There are other options you might want to consider.

Continue with Education at College

Colleges across Scotland offer courses that accept National 5s as entry requirements. You might study HNC (Higher National Certificate) or HND (Higher National Diploma) courses, which can lead to university or employment.

Start an Apprenticeship

If you've finished your National 5s, you could take a modern apprenticeship (opens in a new tab). Modern apprenticeships are paid positions where you learn on the job whilst gaining qualifications. There are over 80 modern apprenticeship frameworks available in Scotland.

Explore Employment

Some jobs and training programmes accept National 5s as entry-level qualifications, particularly if you have passes in English and Maths. Search locally for work experience opportunities, before committing to an industry or role.

Why Are National 5s Important?

Here are five reasons why National 5s matter.

1. They're your gateway to Highers - Most schools require you to pass a subject at National 5 (usually at least Grade C) before letting you study it at Higher level. Your National 5 results essentially determine which Highers you can take.

2. They demonstrate your academic abilities - Unless a higher level is specified in university entry requirements, a pass is required in English at National 5 Grade C for entry to all degrees at universities, like the University of Edinburgh (opens in a new tab). 

3. Employers value them - Even if you don't go to university, employers look at National 5 results when considering job applications. Good grades show you've got the skills and commitment they're looking for.

4. They build essential skills - Beyond the specific subject knowledge, National 5 courses help you develop important skills like:

• Problem-solving

• Critical thinking

• Time management

• Exam technique

5. They keep your options open - Taking a broad range of National 5s means you don't have to make final decisions about your career too early. You can explore different subjects and figure out what you enjoy before specialising further.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is National 5 Hard?

National 5 difficulty varies from person to person and subject to subject. They're definitely more challenging than National 4, with external exams and higher expectations. However, they're designed to be achievable for students who put in regular effort throughout the year.

How Many National 5s Do I Need?

There's no fixed number, as it depends on what you want to do next. Most students take 6-8 National 5 subjects. At minimum, you'll want to pass English and Maths, as these are often required for further study and employment.

If you're planning to go to university, you'll need enough National 5 passes to progress to Highers. The specific subjects matter too. For example, if you want to study Biology at Higher, you'll need to pass National 5 Biology first.

What Happens If I Fail a National 5?

Failing a National 5 isn't the end of the world, and you have options.

You can usually retake the course in S5. Alternatively, you could drop that subject and focus your energy on other National 5s or Highers where you're performing more strongly.

Talk to your teachers and guidance staff about the best path forward. They'll help you make a plan that keeps your options open.

Can You Resit a National 5 Exam?

Yes, you can resit National 5 exams. If you repeat a National 5 course, you will need to re-take the full course and its assessments. This means redoing the coursework as well as the exam. Resits usually happen in the following year. You'll need to discuss this option with your school, as they make the final decision about re-entering you for exams. 

Do Employers Look at National 5 Results?

Yes, employers often look at National 5 results, especially for entry-level positions and apprenticeships. They're particularly interested in your English and Maths grades, as these demonstrate fundamental skills needed in most jobs.

However, as you progress in your career and gain work experience and higher qualifications, employers tend to focus less on your National 5 results and more on your recent achievements.

Final Thoughts

National 5s are an important stepping stone in your education journey. And, now that you understand how they work, what's expected of you, and why they matter, you’ll feel more prepared. 

At Save My Exams, we've got comprehensive National 5 revision notes and past papers to help you prepare effectively for your exams. Our resources break down complex topics into manageable chunks, making revision clearer and more efficient.

References

Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework - Know your SCQF Level (opens in a new tab)

BBC News - Standard Grade qualification ends (opens in a new tab)

Understanding Standards - SQA (opens in a new tab)

Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework - Interactive Framework (opens in a new tab)

SQA - How we decide on exam grades (opens in a new tab)

Skills Development Scotland - Modern Apprenticeships (opens in a new tab)

University of Edinburgh - Undergraduate Entry Requirements (opens in a new tab)