SQA defends National 5 Maths exam after criticism

The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) has defended its National 5 Maths paper after a petition was launched complaining it was too hard.

A petition on yesterday's exam has reached 20,191 signatures calling on the SQA to lower the pass mark for the exam, after it left pupils "in tears."

However the SQA has said the paper was fair and in line with previous papers and exemplars it provided to teachers ahead of the exam.

A spokesperson for the SQA said: "We are confident the National 5 Maths exam provided candidates with a fair opportunity to show their understanding of the subject. It was designed in line with past and exemplar papers and according to our course and assessment specifications.

"We know the exams period can be a stressful time for young people and their families and are aware of the concerns which have been raised." 

Last year a similar petition on the Higher Maths exam precluded the pass mark being later lowered to just 34 per cent.