Rising Exam Support in Scotland: What the Latest Data Reveals About Learner Needs

Recent analysis published by The Herald has brought renewed attention to the significant rise in pupils receiving additional support needs (ASN) arrangements for SQA exams. As Scotland moves deeper into the 2025 exam cycle, these findings highlight a growing and important reality: more pupils than ever require structured support to access assessments fairly.

At Scottish Online Lessons, we work closely with schools, families, and teachers across the country, and we see first-hand how these trends reflect the changing needs of Scottish learners.

A Noticeable Increase in Exam Arrangements

Across Scotland, there has been a substantial rise in pupils receiving exam arrangements such as extra time, separate accommodation, adapted papers, and reader/scribe support. In some areas, over a third of senior pupils now qualify for these adjustments.

What stands out is the extreme variation between regions. Certain local authorities support fewer than 15% of pupils, while others support more than double that amount. This inconsistency suggests that the provision of support is influenced by local resources, staffing capacity, and the differing approaches schools take to identifying young people who qualify.

Differences Between School Sectors

The data shows that pupils in independent schools are noticeably more likely to receive exam support than pupils in the state sector. Independent schools tend to have more staff dedicated to additional support needs, quicker identification processes, and fewer administrative pressures.

This highlights an uncomfortable truth: while Scotland is committed to equity, not every pupil currently receives the same access to support, and socioeconomic background can still play a role in the level of help available.

Pressure on Teachers and Support Teams

Many schools are operating under enormous pressure. Teachers are required to gather evidence, complete assessment paperwork, and meet tight deadlines, all while supporting pupils in the classroom. In some schools, staffing shortages make this even more challenging.

When processes are burdensome, the pupils who rely on exam arrangements most may face delays in getting the support they need. Both the EIS and the SQA have acknowledged that the system is struggling, and that streamlining and reform are urgently required.

Why More Pupils Need Support Today

The increase in exam arrangements reflects broader trends across Scottish education. More pupils are being identified with neurodivergent profiles such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and dyscalculia. Many have also experienced gaps in learning since the pandemic, higher levels of exam anxiety, or barriers linked to socioeconomic disadvantage.

These pupils are not simply seeking “extra help”, they require accessible, fair adjustments to demonstrate their knowledge on equal terms.

How Digital Learning Supports Fairness and Confidence

Scottish schools are increasingly turning to digital resources to support learners who require additional help or need to rebuild confidence. Platforms like Scottish Online Lessons (SOL) are used across more than 25 Scottish councils to provide:

• Flexible, rewindable lessons aligned to the Curriculum for Excellence
• Support for independent and self-directed learning
• Additional reinforcement outside class time
• Confidence building for pupils returning after prolonged absence
• Structured revision for pupils preparing for prelims and final exams

Digital learning is not designed to replace teachers, it supports them. It provides learners with a way to revisit difficult content, build understanding independently, and access consistent explanations at any time.

Moving Forward: A System That Works for Every Learner

The rising number of pupils needing exam support is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign that Scotland’s learners are increasingly diverse, and that their needs are changing. If Scotland is committed to fairness, reform is essential. Families should not be disadvantaged simply because of the area they live in or the school they attend.

A more consistent national approach, simpler processes, and better resourcing will allow schools to continue identifying needs early and ensuring pupils receive the adjustments they are entitled to.

At Scottish Online Lessons, we remain committed to supporting this effort. By providing accessible lessons, flexible tutoring, and learner-centred resources, we aim to help every pupil feel confident and prepared, whether they require additional support or simply need extra practice ahead of assessments.

This blog is informed by reporting from The Herald (16 November 2025) on rising ASN exam arrangements in Scotland.

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