MORE than half of secondary teachers lack confidence in the delivery of flagship new Higher qualifications, according to a survey.

Research by the Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association (SSTA) found that 54 per cent were unsure of their ability to provide pupils with appropriate course materials.

The survey of 919 members found 68 per cent were also not confident they were equipped to properly assess pupils for the new exams.

Levels of satisfaction with the support on offer were also low, with 79 per cent not content with qualifications body Education Scotland, and 82 per cent unhappy with exams quango the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). Three quarters were not satisfied with councils.

The SSTA said the findings were evidence of a teacher "crisis in confidence" in implementing Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) reforms.

Some of those who responded to the survey described feeling like "a rudderless ship" and complained of "serious workload issues" that took away from teaching and were "very demoralising" for pupils.

Unions want the Scottish Government to allow headteachers to defer bringing in the new Advanced Highers next year.

Seamus Searson, SSTA general secretary, said: "The survey confirms the view of many secondary school teachers that more time is needed to bring about these important changes.

"We continue to be alarmed by the clear lack of confidence being expressed by our members, particularly in terms of the materials required and in their ability to assess pupils in the new Higher qualifications.

"Such alarming rates of lack of confidence must be acted upon. If a teacher lacks confidence, then this will be quickly transferred to the young people."

Schools were given the option to phase in the new Highers, with provisional figures showing almost half of pupils taking the exams this year will sit the existing and not the new qualification.

All pupils are due to study for the new qualifications from the 2015/16 school year on, but concerns have been raised that the new Advanced Highers will not follow on from the old Higher exams.

The union will this week meet with Angela Constance, the Education Secretary, who previously said she had not heard a "compelling case" for the dual running of Advanced Highers.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: "We have provided unprecedented support for the new qualifications, including an extra £10 million of funding since 2012 and three additional in-service days for secondary schools. SQA and Education Scotland have continually listened to teacher feedback and addressed concerns, and are continuing to do so. The new National Qualifications were successfully introduced last year, thanks to the professionalism of our teachers."