Tests re-written in wake of leak fears

CHANGES have been made to this year’s Higher English exam paper over concerns that some questions were leaked.

The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) said action was taken to “ensure the integrity of qualifications”.

Thousands of pupils will sit the exam at schools and colleges across the country tomorrow.

There are two papers in the English Higher, which are sent out to schools before the date of the exam.

It was reported that the SQA had concerns that some of the questions could have been leaked, and it created a new version of one of the papers last month.

An SQA spokesman said: “A potential issue with one of the Higher English question papers was identified.

“We made the appropriate adjustments and a new paper was distributed to centres. Our chief invigilators have been informed.

“We have robust procedures in place to ensure the integrity of our quali- fications. We took swift and appropriate action, meaning candidates will sit the examination as intended.”

Teaching union the EIS said it was key to ensure the paper is fair to all candidates.

General secretary Larry Flanagan said: “Where there is doubt over an element of an examination paper, the sen- sible option is to replace that section of the paper.

“The most important consideration is that no pupil is unfairly advantaged or disadvantaged, so that the exam can deliver a fair measure of each pupil’s attainment.

“Clearly, there will have to be a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to this situation.”