Edinburgh Schools - Highers

In Scotland, Highers are taken normally after five years secondary school. These can be used for going to university in Scotland. This crucial ‘fifth year’ starts as soon as the Standard grade exams are over (at the end of May).

Highers are aimed particularly at students who have passed subjects at Standard Grade Credit level, or who have successfully completed a Course at Intermediate 2.

In Secondary 3 and Secondary 4 years, pupils normally study Standard Grade courses. However, a number of schools now run ‘Higher Still’ courses, which are normally reserved for Secondary 5 and Secondary 6.

Advanced Higher

Aimed at students who have passed Highers. They are usually taken in the sixth year of school or at college.