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SQA English (National 5 / Higher / Advanced Higher)
Scottish English exams (N5, Higher, Adv Higher) for S4-S6 learners and university entry
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At a glance
- Set by
- Qualifications Scotland (formerly SQA)
- Level
- Scottish secondary S4 (SCQF 5) to S6 (SCQF 7)
- Region
- United Kingdom
- Programme
- Scottish National Qualifications (N5, Higher, Advanced Higher)
- 3 versions
- National 5HigherAdvanced Higher
The format, as published
- N5: Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation (RUAE) 1 h + Critical Reading 1 h 30 min; Higher: RUAE 1 h 30 min + Critical Reading 1 h 45 min (Scottish set text + critical essay); AH: Literary Study 1 h 30 min + Textual Analysis 1 h 30 min (2026 timetable).
- Plus a writing portfolio (N5/Higher), spoken-language performance (N5/Higher, pass/fail), AH Portfolio: Writing (submitted on exam day) and AH dissertation.
- Graded A-D or No Award; paper-based exams in the Apr-Jun diet (2027 diet 26 Apr-3 Jun, results day 10 Aug 2027; 2026 diet ran 22 Apr-2 Jun).
Summarised from official sources. Always confirm dates and rules with the exam board.Official information(opens in a new tab)