Exams cancelled in Scotland's schools as a result of coronavirus outbreak

Exams in Scotland’s schools this year have been cancelled as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, the Education Secretary has announced.

John Swinney said the “unprecedented” move was a sign of the “gravity” of the situation the country was facing.

He told MSPs at Holyrood: “In all of our history, Scotland has never cancelled the exams. Since 1888 they have been held every May or June, without fail.

“In the midst of two world wars the exams went ahead. It is a measure of the gravity of the challenge we now face that I must today announce the exams will not go ahead this year.”

Mr Swinney said that the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) would, along with the wider education system, put in place a “credible certification model” using coursework, teachers’ estimates of grades and prior attainment.

Grades would be awarded by August 4.

Fiona Robertson, Scotland’s chief examining officer and chief executive of the SQA, said: “I fully appreciate that this will be an uncertain time for learners who have worked hard throughout the year and will now, with their families, be worried about what this means for them.

“Everyone here at SQA will do their utmost, with the support of the education system, to ensure that their hard work is rightly and fairly recognised, and allows them to proceed to further learning or work.”

It was announced on Thursday that schools in Scotland and Wales will close tomorrow, with the possibility of them staying shut up until the summer holidays.

Despite this, Mr. Swinney said teaching would continue, mostly though online learning: “At the end of tomorrow, schools and nurseries should ordinarily close for children and young people.

“Teaching, learning and support will continue, albeit in different ways for different groups of children.

“Teachers and other staff who are well will continue to be working.

“Senior phase pupils with coursework for national qualifications to complete will be informed by their schools how to complete this.”