Pass marks

Calls to condemn Sam Galbraith (who is no longer with us) or for John Swinney to resign are beside the point and demonstrably unfair.

The present crisis has simply exposed the inherent weaknesses of Scotland’s school exam system and the inadequacy of the SQA to explain or address these.

“Grades” cannot be more than an estimate based on limited evidence to give comparisons of attainment across the country. Statistical adjustment has always been part of certification. In most years, however, it is hidden from view, as are the arbitrary and unfair features it always brings.

Sam Galbraith took over the responsibility in 1997 after the SQA breakdown had already occurred. He was not responsible for the reckless decisions to introduce three major upheavals all at the same time (merger of two exam bodies, introduction of a new computer and data management system, and a new system of certification). Ministers approved what was recommended to them by those who should have known better.

Those who were involved in the recovery phase will recall that Sam Galbraith brought energy and intelligence to an impossibly difficult task while taking on the chin criticism that should have been shared much more widely.

Certification is and always should be a matter for experts. It is the current team at the SQA and their opposite numbers in the education side of Scottish Government who should explain the lack of intelligent preparation during the Covid-19 crisis. John Swinney must be as bewildered as the rest of us at this implosion.

TOM KELLY Trinity Road, Edinburgh