Scottish school children move on to Secondary School, (High School) after they have finished Primary School. This is usually around the age of 12 or 13 and is compulsory until the age of 16.

High school is divided up into 3 different stages, the first and second years are called S1 and S2. During these years you will get a general education covering all the main core subjects plus more, subjects like English, Maths, Science, Modern Studies, French and Art. This allows you try different subjects before you make your standard grade choices.Third and fourth years (S3 and S4) are the years you take your standard grade subjects and also you first set of national exams, set by the Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA). You can take up to 8 standard grades and normally the course lasts two years with exams at the end.

Standard grades are offered at three different levels: Credit, General and foundation. After you have taken your standard grade exams and once you have turned 16 you can leave school if you want, this is the end of your compulsory education. From here you can stay on and further your education in fifth and sixth year, move on to college or get a job! It’s up to you.

Fifth and sixth year (S5 and S6) are the years you can further your education. At this stage there are five levels to higher and advanced higher. These are access, intermediate 1, intermediate 2, higher and advanced higher. These exams are again set by the SQA. These are the exams that will count most for those who are lokking at going to college or university.