The examination system in Scotland is different from that in the rest of the United Kingdom. The Standard Grade, which replaced the Ordinary Grade in 1986, is taken at sixteen-plus and is designed to enable pupils, no matter what their level of ability, to fulfil their potential. The Standard Grade awards are based on a seven-point scale, Grade 1 being the highest and Grade 7 the lowest. Grade 7 is awarded where the course has been completed but where the attainment demonstrated is below the minimum required for Grade 6. The Higher Grade examination is a one-year course covering a broad range of subjects and is taken at seventeen years of age, after Standard Grade.
Students take four to five subjects.
The Higher Grade examination is often referred to as 'Highers'. In general terms four Highers are regarded as equivalent to three A-levels. Passes in Highers are required for entry to higher education and professional training. The examination emphasizes the need for individual study and most subjects require a dissertation project and report. Ungraded results are not certificated.