Council denies claims it broke SQA rules

The strong rebuttal follows news coverage of an investigation being carried out by the SQA about alleged potential malpractice, after a letter sent to parents earlier this year suggested students could make appropriate changes to work after receiving feedback from teachers.

However the council insists its teachers did not breach the stringent SQA rules, while conceding the letter sent to parents was poorly worded.

A spokesperson said: “Our staff are well aware of the guidelines set out by the SQA in relation to Higher Assignments and these are followed rigorously across the authority. At no stage was any pupils’ Higher Assignment marked.

“This letter, which unfortunately was poorly worded, was simply issued to stress the importance of these assignments to parents.

“Staff provided support and advice to pupils in preparation for completing their assignments under exam conditions, as is permitted by the SQA, which is what this letter is referring to.

“It is important to stress that the wording of this letter does not accurately reflect the role staff at this school play in supporting pupils with their Higher Assignments, and this has already been amended for the forthcoming session.”