In a troubling sign for education systems around the globe, recent figures from the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) show a marked decline in A-C pass rates for the 2024 academic year. This decline, spanning National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher qualifications, underscores a broader issue affecting students worldwide. As we face these challenges, it’s crucial to understand the underlying causes and demand urgent action to address the crisis in education.
The SQA’s latest statistics reveal a significant drop in pass rates:
- Higher A-C attainment fell to 74.9% in 2024, down from 77.1% in 2023 and 78.9% in 2022.
- National 5 A-C attainment decreased to 77.2%, compared to 78.8% the previous year.
- Advanced Higher A-C attainment saw the most considerable drop, with a 4.5 percentage point decrease from 79.8% in 2023 to 75.3% in 2024.
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth highlighted the exceptional resilience of students, acknowledging the pandemic’s role in disrupting their education. “Congratulations to all of Scotland’s young people receiving their results for this year. Their resilience is remarkable, and their achievements all the more impressive given the significant disruption to learning due to the pandemic,” she said. However, Gilruth also pointed out that Scotland is not alone in grappling with these challenges: “Of course Scotland is not unique – and like countries the world over, our education system is still in recovery from the pandemic.“
Globally, the trend is similarly concerning. In the United States, National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results show a significant decline in reading and mathematics scores for 13-year-olds. Between 2012 and 2023, reading scores dropped by 7 points, while mathematics scores fell by 14 points. Despite an increase in high school graduation rates, early childhood education enrollment decreased, revealing deeper issues within the system.
In Canada, provincial assessments in Ontario and British Columbia show slight declines in reading and math proficiency. For instance, Grade 3 math scores in Ontario ‘increased’ from 58% meeting the provincial standard to 59%, while British Columbia’s Grade 4 reading proficiency fell from 69% to 65%.
Australia’s education results present a mixed picture. NAPLAN data shows improvements in early years but declines in later years. For example, Year 3 reading scores increased from 433 to 443, while Year 9 reading scores dropped from 584 to 577. PISA results further highlight a decrease in reading and mathematics scores.
These trends suggest a global educational crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. While the pandemic undeniably disrupted learning and contributed to these declines, it is clear that systemic issues must be addressed to improve educational outcomes. The significant rise in vocational and technical qualifications in Scotland, with a record 90,045 awards in 2024, indicates a shift towards practical skills, but it is crucial not to overlook the importance of academic achievement.
Education systems worldwide must urgently address these issues by investing in targeted interventions, improving support for both students and teachers, and reevaluating assessment practices. The current decline in academic performance highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to education reform that not only recovers from pandemic disruptions but also builds a more resilient and equitable system for the future.
As we face these educational challenges, it is imperative that governments, educators, and communities come together to address the crisis and ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed. The future of our children—and the broader society—depends on it.
Summary
- Recent data from the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) reveals a notable drop in A-C pass rates for National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher qualifications.
- Similar trends are evident worldwide, with declines in reading and math scores for students in the US, Canada, and Australia.
- Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth acknowledges the impact of the pandemic but emphasizes the need for systemic improvements.
- Despite the declines, there has been a significant rise in vocational and technical qualifications in Scotland.
