Changes to the way exams are assessed will continue into next year, it has been revealed.

The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) made modifications to this year’s assessments for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses in order to reduce workloads for teachers and pupils amid the Covid pandemic.

Now it has confirmed that these will remain in place during the 2022/23 school year.

Fiona Robertson, SQA chief executive, said: “We recognise the ongoing disruption to teaching and learning that young people have experienced since the start of the pandemic.

“After careful consideration, and having reflected on the feedback we received, we can confirm that the current modifications to assessment will remain in place for 2022/23.

“The effects of the disruption will not go away after the summer break. Carrying the assessment modifications forward into the new academic year will help to provide some certainty for learners, teachers and lecturers and help free up more time for learning and teaching of the course content, while maintaining the integrity and credibility of their qualifications.”

Formal exams at schools across the local area were cancelled last year and in 2020 due to significant disruption to learning caused by coronavirus.

This year’s exams diet runs until Wednesday, June 1, with candidates expected to get their results on Tuesday, August 9.

Ms Robertson added: “I wish all learners the very best as they prepare to sit their exams, complete their assessments and take their opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned and what they can do.

“I commend them for their hard work and resilience in the face of the many challenges presented by the pandemic.”