Scottish school pupils' grades will be based on teachers' estimates as exams cancelled due to coronavirus.
Teachers will predict results from prelims, previous exam results and schools and colleges’ history of predicting results.
The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) outlined plans it said would ensure “young people get the results they deserve”.
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It said estimated National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher grades “will be the core element of certification”, and has issued guidance to schools and colleges.
Schools are currently closed until further notice as the nation locks down to fend off Covid-19.
Teachers’ estimates will be filed by May 29 and then results will then be issued by August 4 after being moderated, the SQA said.
It will have the power to change teachers’ decisions based on schools and colleges’ history of estimating grades and pupils’ previous grades.
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The authority added: “Teachers and lecturers are best placed to have a strong understanding of how their learners have performed and, based on their experience and the evidence available, what a learner would be expected to achieve in each course.
“An estimated grade is not just the result of one prelim or one project, but is an overall judgement based on all activity across the year.”
A free appeals service will allow pupils, schools and colleges to challenge results.
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