Chamber and committees

The Scottish Government are in discussion with students, universities and colleges on approaches to minimise the impact of COVID-19. An immediate priority is to enable students to continue and complete their learner journeys and move into employment or further study.

To support this priority, a short life Ministerial Task force has been established chaired by the Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science.

This group will be tasked with moving in a rapid and agile manner to collectively provide solutions to address issues now facing learners as a result of the extended disruption to learning and teaching caused by COVID-19 restrictions.

We fully expect institutions to adopt a fair approach to assessments, which supports students in attaining the qualifications they deserve despite the challenges faced as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Universities are, however, autonomous bodies and do not all follow the same pattern for exams, they are responsible for their own policies and procedures.

There are some courses where evidence is required in order to demonstrate a certain level of proficiency, to allow for transitions into the workplace of specific work disciplines. Therefore it is difficult to adopt a blanket approach to this.

We are absolutely clear that learners should have their achievements recognised and awarded, as in any other academic year, such that they can continue with their chosen pathways.

We are working with universities, colleges and others to consider the challenges in delivering practical learning and our immediate priority is to help students complete their courses.