Scotland’s Education Secretary is at the centre of a growing storm over national qualifications after newly unveiled plans for this year’s appeals process sparked accusations that pupils are being failed yet again.
Shirley-Anne Somerville came under fire despite announcing that learners would be able to appeal directly, and free of charge, against results awarded through the alternative certification model (ACM).
However, the planned scheme does not include a “no detriment” policy, meaning grades could be revised up or down.
It follows cancellation of National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher exams, with results instead based on teacher judgement supported by evidence of achievement.