Mr. Michael Forsythasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to review the standard of Scottish certificates of education higher examinations with a view to reducing the failure rate of Scottish students at university and increasing the opportunities for those who wish to attend a university outwith Scotland.
§ Mr. Allan StewartAs part of the action plan for 16 to 18-year-olds, the Scottish Education Department invited the Scottish Examination Board and the consultative committee on the curriculum to discuss arrangements for a review of the SCE higher grade and certificate of sixth year studies syllabuses at present offered by the board. The board will be consulting nominated interested bodies including universities on its proposals for the review shortly.
I remain committed to the principle that the present standard of SCE higher grade should be preserved and that higher grade should continue to be an appropriate qualification for entrance to universities. We have no evidence to suggest that higher grade a handicap for Scottish pupils wishing to pursue a course at university.