Support for Secondary School Learners

So you’re still at school. Maybe you’re at the point of choosing your options or perhaps you’re about to make a transition to the next stage of your education. The SCQF is here to help you make sense of qualifications and plan the next move in your learning journey.

Understanding the level of the learning you’ve achieved

You might be studying or about to study Nationals or Highers. Have a look at our Interactive Framework below to see where these sit on the SCQF.

Recognising all the learning you’ve achieved

There are lots of learning programmes that are recognised on the SCQF that you might undertake at school or in your spare time and it’s important that you include these in your profile or CV. Search our database below for details of these programmes.

Equality of qualifications

The SCQF promotes equality of qualifications. For instance, an Outward Bound Adventure and Challenge Award sits at level 5 on the SCQF which is the same level as a National 5. They might be very different types of learning but you still have to use the same level of skills to achieve them. This is why it’s really important to include all the learning you’ve achieved on your profile or CV and remember to include the SCQF level.

Planning your learning journey

Sometimes we know where we’re going next and what we want to do. For example, you might study Nationals, then Highers at school and be sure you’re going to university next. However, you might prefer to go to college and do some vocational training or learn whilst working through a Modern Apprenticeship. The SCQF can help you work out your next move. Have a look at our learner journey video case studies.

Got a burning question? Download our leaflet for school pupils, have a look at our FAQs section or Get in touch

The Framework

Interactive Framework

Use the Interactive Framework to see the level of your learning or to compare mainstream qualifications.

Find out more

The Framework

Programme database

Find qualifications and learning programmes across Scotland that are on the SCQF.

Start your search

By completing the King George VI Youth Leadership training, Individuals/learners have a recognised qualification to add to their CV in support of employment opportunities and the credit points to support applications for further and higher education applications.

In one case an individual's results arrived but he did not receive the grades he needed for his first choice at University. However, the credit points attached to the course turned a conditional acceptance into an unconditional acceptance. This experience naturally has motivated others to become involved in the course and to see the benefits of SCQF credit rating.

Alan Hunter, Training & Development Officer, Boys Brigade

SCQF credit rating strengthens the approaches to assessment and delivery whilst giving greater currency and credence of participation to our young people, many of whom do not hold recognised qualifications.

Barbara Hastings, Curriculum Manager, Rathbone Training UK

Going through the Uni-Link programme was right for me. I would recommend this route to anyone who would like the opportunity of University. I have hugely benefited from this path. College sets you up nicely for the University experience and I'm very grateful for the opportunity to pursue this path.

Christopher Greig, Former Student of Robert Gordon University

Guide for Secondary School Pupils

Download

My Learning Journey - Amanda's Story

Amanda received conditional offers for university but failed her exams because of nerves. Watch to see the alternate path she has taken to realise her ambitions.

Watch Video

Learner Journey Videos

Watch our learner journey videos.

Watch Videos

My World of Work

SQA

Apprenticeships.Scot

Young Scot