Parents & carers
of learners
Helping you,
help them
Is your child in education and about to make big decisions about their future? Whether it’s with subject choices, or their next steps after school, college or university, we can help.
The SCQF is Scotland’s qualifications framework, and it features qualifications you can achieve in school, college, university, the workplace and the community. The framework helps you understand and compare the level of difficulty of a qualification. Level 1 is lowest level, while level 12, which includes a PhD, is the most challenging.
As your go-to resource for understanding qualifications, the SCQF can help you support your child’s journey as they plan their next move.
Get started below.
Qualifications – Past,
Present and Future
Explore Qualifications – Past, Present and Future below to equip
yourself with the vital knowledge you’ll need to support your child.
Scotland’s qualifications landscape has changed considerably over the years. From O’ Grades and Standard Grades, through to today’s Nationals and National Progression Awards, it can be difficult to understand the changes. But our handy Old v New Guide will help you relate qualifications from your education to today’s qualifications.
Helping your child choose subjects is easier when you know the different types of qualifications available:
National Qualifications (SCQF levels 3–7)
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Include National 3 to Advanced Higher courses
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Help pupils build knowledge and skills across subjects
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Often used for progression to further study or university
Foundation Apprenticeships (SCQF level 6)
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Combine classroom learning with real work experience
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Help pupils gain skills that employers value
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Can support progression into employment or further study
Personal Achievement Awards (SCQF levels 3–7)
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Recognise learning that happens outside the classroom
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Examples include Outward Bound Trust or Youth Achievement Awards
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Celebrate skills, achievements, and personal development
Vocational qualifications (SCQF levels 3–6)
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Skills for Work – Practical, work-related courses introducing careers like construction, childcare, or hospitality
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National Progression Awards (NPAs) – Focus on specific sectors or skills such as digital media, sports leadership, or business; assessed through coursework and practical tasks rather than exams
Our Framework promotes equality of various types of learning. For instance, the Yes Company Programme by Young Enterprise Scotland is an SCQF level 6 qualification – the same level as a Higher. Though they focus on different skills, they both require the same level of effort to complete.
Use our Interactive Framework to see how these qualifications compare. There are many learning programmes on the SCQF your child might be involved in at school or in their spare time. Make sure they list these on their UCAS application form or CV — search our Register to find them.
Does your child know what they want to do next? If they’re considering university, they might follow a traditional route with Nationals, then Highers. But there’s more than one path to their ideal career. They might prefer a Foundation Apprenticeship at SCQF level 6, or a college course for hands-on training. Learning while working through a Modern Apprenticeship is also a rewarding option.
Explore our case studies to find inspiration.
Subject choices
in school
As your child progresses through their senior phase in school, they will be asked to make subject choices. Your child’s school may offer various types of qualifications. As well as Nationals and Highers, they may also offer Skills For Work, National Progression Awards (NPAs) and Foundation Apprenticeships. Some qualifications conclude with an exam, while some focus on continual assessment, which many pupils find suits them better.
If your child wants to go to university, it’s vital to check their chosen course’s admission requirements as this will guide their subject choices.
Download our new SCQF guide for parents and carers
Supporting your child’s learning journey just got easier! Our updated SCQF guide for parents and carers explains Scottish qualifications, SCQF levels, and credit points in simple terms. Discover how different pathways, from school subjects to apprenticeships, connect — and help your child make informed choices for their future learning and career.
School Ambassador Programme
Your child’s school may already be involved in our School Ambassador programme, which supports schools to offer a wider range of qualifications. If your child’s school isn’t yet involved, speak to your school’s senior management team for more information.