Understanding Qualifications
What is the SCQF?
In our school, we are dedicated to ensuring that every young person’s journey is tailored to their unique strengths and interests. As we move away from a "one-size-fits-all" approach to education, we use the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) as our roadmap. Think of the SCQF as a way of bringing all Scottish qualifications into one easy-to-understand system. It allows us to compare different types of learning—whether that is a traditional National 5 exam, a vocational National Progression Award (NPA), or a Foundation Apprenticeship—by looking at their "level" and their "credit."
How to use the SCQF Level
The SCQF uses levels from 1 to 12 to show how difficult a course is. For example, a National 5, a Level 5 NPA in Criminology, and a Level 5 Foundation Apprenticeship are all at SCQF Level 5. This means they represent the same level of challenge, even though the way the students are assessed might be very different. By looking at the SCQF level, you can see exactly how your child is progressing and how their different subjects carry equal weight when applying for college, university, or employment.
Why this matters for your child
The beauty of this framework is that it values all learning equally. It helps us ensure that no matter what career path your child chooses, their achievements are recognised and understood by employers and further education providers. It allows us to build a "learner journey" that is flexible. If a pupil is passionate about a specific industry, we can find a qualification at the right level that keeps them engaged and moving toward a positive destination after they leave school.
Our Gold Ambassador Status
I am also incredibly proud to share that our school has been officially recognised for our "outstanding practice" in this area. We have achieved the SCQF Gold Ambassador Award, the highest level of recognition available. This means that our staff are experts in navigating these pathways and that we are leading the way in Scotland by providing a diverse, modern curriculum. When your child sits down to choose their subjects, you can be confident that we are offering a range of high-quality qualifications that truly count toward their future success.
