State educated pupils less likely to appeal exam results

Pupils who study at state schools are less likely to appeal their exam results than their independent school peers, figures suggest.

According to statistics from the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), 2.1 per cent of of results were appealed by local authority run schools in 2015, compared to six per cent of results from independent schools.

The figures have been disclosed to Holyrood’s Education Committee and will likely raise questions over the introduction of fees by the Scottish government in 2014.

Under the new system, schools are charged £10 for a clerical check to see if marks were added up correctly and £29.75 for a marking review, but the charges only apply if there is no change to the exam grade.

Labour education spokesman Iain Gray has criticised the introduction of fees, saying the figures show that they are putting state educated pupils at a disadvantage.