THE Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) yesterday defended its marking process amid claims that it made up pupils' exam results after it lost hundreds of papers.

A leaked internal memo had claimed that SQA officials were forced to "manipulate" students' marks after packets of answer papers went missing in a practice described as "scaling".

However, an SQA spokesman denied that papers had been lost and said: "There is nothing new in the practice known as scaling. It is used all over the world."

When scaling, examiners determine a student's grade from the scripts that are available. A spokeswoman for the Scottish Executive said the claims were "very misguiding".

She added: "The practice mentioned in this memo is a standard process where markers look at someone's marks throughout a period to ensure candidates are not disadvantaged."

The spokeswoman also said the executive was confident students would receive accurate results this year in response to claims that the SQA's computer software had not been properly tested.

However, Brian Monteith, the Tory education spokesman, called on the SQA to reassure pupils and parents that this year's exam results will not lack credibility.

Mr Monteith said: "The SQA must make a full and clear public statement as soon as possible to reassure everyone that there is no compromise in standards or lack of credibility in this year's exams."

In a separate development, the SQA revealed yesterday that the results of 20,000 pupils hoping to university had been passed to UCAS, the admissions body, three days ahead of schedule.

Bill Morton, chief executive of the SQA, said: "We are delighted at this latest development which our staff have achieved through hard work."

-Aug 6th

The Herald

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Scotland: SQA sacks expert over leak

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