NextGen: HN - grading

NextGen: HN qualifications have a new approach to grading, designed to better reflect a learner’s standard in their HNC/HND qualification. Rather than the graded unit(s) used in current Higher National qualifications, NextGen: NH qualifications will have whole qualification grades.

To achieve a grade in a NextGen HN qualification, a learner will have to demonstrate achievement across the breadth of the qualification content.

This will ensure they are recognised for the full range of their achievement, and motivated to perform across the qualification content, rather than being led to focus effort on one or two assessments towards the end of teaching.

Along with this, NextGen: HN qualifications are being designed with fewer, larger units, to encourage a holistic approach to delivery and assessment. The qualifications will have a consistent size and level by design: HNCs will be level 7 and 120 SCQF credit points, with at least 80 of those points at SCQF Level 7; HNDs will be level 8 and 120 SCQF credit points, with at least 80 of those points at SCQF Level 8. 

Centres will therefore be freed to focus on teaching the depth of the qualification, drawing out the connections between different elements of the content.

Grade outcomes 

Learners who pass NextGen: HN qualifications will receive one of the following grade outcomes: 

  • Achieved
  • Achieved with Merit 
  • Achieved with Distinction

The Grading Models (120 KB) document shows the grading statements – which briefly describe a candidate’s performance on their certificate – for each of the three grades.

‘Achieved’ represents a learner who has passed all the required units, and in addition shown a consistent standard across the breadth of their qualification, having demonstrated thorough knowledge, understanding and application of skills. ‘Achieved with Merit’ and ‘Achieved with Distinction’ represent standards above this.

The new grade outcomes will not directly correlate to the current qualifications' graded unit outcomes of A, B or C, as these are based solely on the graded unit(s).

We are currently piloting three different approaches to applying whole qualification grading. This is to test and validate how the grading is applied, and ensure that the live versions of the qualifications are fit for purpose and meet the needs of learners, employers and HEIs, across the full range of subject areas.

The Grading Process (204 KB) document illustrates how a centre might progress throughout the year towards final qualification grading and includes a suggestion for the Quality Assurance support available.

Grading will support articulation and progression, allowing learners to follow the path that is right for them.

The tabs below list the qualifications being piloted and identify which grading model they are currently using. Learners who complete NextGen: HN qualifications in session 2022-23 would look to progress to a Higher Education Institute (HEI) in September 2023 while learners completing NextGen: HN qualifications in session 2023-24 would look to progress to an HEI in September 2024. We are sharing all NextGen: HN qualification content with HEI’s to ensure they have the access they need to carry out decisions.

Use the tabs below to open each section individually. Alternatively you can show all the sections.

Holistic Grading Model 

  • HNC Accounting
  • HNC Agricultural Technology
  • HNC Childhood Practice
  • HNC Engineering (Electrical & Mechanical hybrid)
  • HNC Engineering (Engineering Systems)
  • HNC Horticulture 
  • HNC Physical Activity and Health
  • HNC Social Sciences
  • HNC Social Services

Key Competency Grading Model 

  • HNC Agriculture
  • HND Radio
  • HNC Television
  • HND Television

Key Component Grading Model 

  • HNC Computing

Holistic Grading Model 

  • HNC Accounting
  • HND Accounting
  • HNC Agricultural Technology
  • HND Agricultural Technology 
  • HNC Childhood Practice
  • HNC Engineering (Engineering Systems)
  • HNC Horticulture 
  • HND Horticulture 
  • HNC Physical Activity and Health
  • HND Physical Activity and Health
  • HNC Social Sciences
  • HND Social Sciences
  • HNC Social Services

Key Competency Grading Model 

  • HNC Acting and Performance
  • HNC Agriculture
  • HND Agriculture
  • HND Radio
  • HNC Television
  • HND Television

Key Component Grading Model 

  • HNC Computing
  • HND Networking and Infrastructure
  • HND Software Develoment

Grading review

This grading review shares the experiences of two pilot centres for the NextGen: HNC in Television, and explains how they made grading judgements on their first cohorts of learners. It captures the key points of their approaches and experiences and supports ongoing reviews and evaluations during the pilot phase.

Good Practice in Assessment and Grading: Grading Review. (144 KB)

NextGen: HN Grading - The Journey so far

Watch a recording of our webinar covering the development of NextGen: HN grading models.

SQA Academy module

Explore our new approach to NextGen: HN grading, in our short e-learning module. This module was developed at the start of our piloting process, and summarises the key elements of our three grading models. These are being reviewed and validated as part of the pilot.

NextGen: HN grading module