Pupils taking national qualifications are likely to retain their ability to challenge results directly if formal exams are cancelled again.

Senior figures at the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) said there was a strong presumption in favour of continuing with the provision should Covid-19 lead to tests being axed for the third year in a row. The possibility of maintaining direct appeals, thus breaking with the process of schools submitting challenges on a pupil’s behalf, is also on the table even if exams take place.

However, SQA bosses added that final confirmation regarding arrangements would depend on talks with other members of the National Qualifications 2022 group. Any decision on full exams cancellation will be based on whether pandemic-related restrictions on gatherings are in force at the time the diet is due to be held.

It comes after Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said exams would take place next year, provided this is safe.

SQA leaders also confirmed that, in the event of cancellation, teacher-judged provisional results would be determined by the evidence needed to support estimates in a “normal” school session. This includes grades awarded in prelims, class tests and practical assignments.

READ MORE: Exams return in 2022 but fears of assessment 'overload'

The approach is designed to ensure pupils do not have to undertake additional assessments. It should also protect against a repeat of the situation this year, when many young people were subjected to a brutal treadmill of exam-style tests.

The SQA has outlined extra measures that could be brought in to reduce exam-related stress if teaching and learning are hit by further significant disruption. These include giving pupils advance sight of topics or areas that will be assessed and allowing candidates to take support material, such as formula sheets, into the exam hall.

The SQA said introducing such arrangements would not be possible in all subjects due to existing course modifications. It also confirmed that actual assessments would not change under this approach. If additional measures are required, they will be introduced at the end of March next year.

Fiona Robertson, SQA Chief Executive, said: “These measures, developed in consultation with the Scottish education system, will ensure the safe delivery of national courses this year.

"We are clearly setting out what support will be given to teachers, lecturers and learners under each scenario, as well as being clear what is expected of them while avoiding any additional workload or assessment.

“As the year progresses, public health advice will be regularly monitored, and updates provided quickly and clearly.”

The Herald: SQA Chief Executive Fiona Robertson.SQA Chief Executive Fiona Robertson.

Larry Flanagan, general secretary at the EIS union, said a “dual assessment approach where schools prepare for exams but also need to gather extra evidence in case the exams are cancelled” would be unacceptable. “That would drive workload through the roof, would overload students with continuous assessment, and would detract from teaching and learning,” he added.

“This guidance is clear that such a dual approach should not happen and we will insist that advice is followed.”

Cameron Garrett MSYP, Convener of the Education and Lifelong Learning Committee at the Scottish Youth Parliament, said: “The right to a direct appeal to the SQA is a must if we’re to have an education system that doesn’t unfairly disadvantage the poorest in our society. I welcome the continuation of direct appeals being considered, and I’d encourage decision-makers to make it permanent.

"Going forward, if public health reasons dictate changes to this year’s exams diet, young people’s rights must be at the heart of the decisions made to avoid a repeat of the past two years.”

READ MORE: Scrapping exams at 16 ‘will help modernise Scottish schools’

Willie Rennie, Scottish Liberal Democrat Education spokesperson, said: "The SQA have botched two years of assessments and now they are laying the groundwork to botch a third.

"Teachers are being told that it is still possible that exams could be cancelled and that they should prepare for that possibility but that they won’t receive the guidance for this until October, months after the start of the school year. This just repeats the mistakes of the last two years.

"It's time for new leadership at the SQA. The same people who led the organisation which let down young people over and over again simply cannot be the ones to preside over a period of reform."

Green MSP Ross Greer tweeted that direct pupil appeals "should be maintained permanently, both to ensure compliance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child and to avoid a return to the previous remarking system, which further advantaged the private schools who could afford to use it".