SOME Renfrewshire pupils were three times more likely to have their Higher results reduced under a controversial marking system, a new report has revealed. 

The outcome emerged in figures released by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).

In August, the exams body admitted lowering 124,565 grades across Scotland through a system based on past secondary schools results.

All exams had been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, with ‘prelim’ exams and teacher estimates submitted instead.

Lowered grades were later reinstated after a fierce backlash from pupils, teachers, parents and politicians.

Last week, the SQA made public for the first time the original changes made to exams results.

At St Benedict’s High, in Linwood, almost 40 per cent of Higher results were lowered, with some 16 per cent adjusted from ‘pass’ to ‘fail.’

That compared unfavourably to schools in more affluent areas, such as Gryffe High, in Houston, where just 12 per cent were lowered and less than eight per cent marked from pass to fail.

When exam results were released in August, it was alleged students from less affluent areas had been unfairly disadvantaged, as their schools may not have fared so well in the past.

Scottish Greens MSP Ross Greer, who represents Renfrewshire as part of his West of Scotland remit and campaigned for Holyrood to restore the original grades, said: “These figures reveal just how unfair this system was.

“Three times as many grades were lowered at St Benedict’s High than at Gryffe High, which tells you everything you need to know about the SQA’s moderation system.

“They were judging young people not on their abilities and records of achievement but on their postcodes.”

Figures for the rest of Renfrewshire also show wide disparities between schools.

At Linwood High, around 32 per cent of Higher results were adjusted down and 17 per cent marked from pass to fail.

The figures for Renfrew High were 31 per cent and 13 per cent respectively.

Almost a quarter of results at Johnstone High were adjusted down, with 15 per cent moved from pass to fail.

And around one-fifth were marked down at Trinity High, in Renfrew, with 12 per cent going from pass to fail.

However, the school which experienced the biggest reduction in grades was Castlehead High, in Paisley, where 40 per cent were adjusted down and 21 per cent marked from pass to fail.

Meanwhile, Park Mains High, in Erskine, only saw 13 per cent of Highers adjusted down and 7.5 per cent marked from pass to fail.

Renfrewshire South MSP Tom Arthur said the data “shows quite clearly” that the Scottish Government was right to order the reinstatement of grades.

He added: “Following the results announcement, I held extensive discussions with pupils, parents, schools and education authorities across Renfrewshire South. 

“It was clear that due to a lack of exams, the only fair process available for certification was teacher judgement.

“Young people deserve the results that reflect their hard work and ability so I am glad that this has been achieved.”