SCQF Level 5 · Qualifications Scotland
National 5 English
Taken by most Scottish pupils in S4, English leads to Higher English in S5. Here is how the course works, what the assessment involves, and what to expect in the exam.
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2 hours 30 minutes across 2 papers
Exam duration
30%
Coursework
100
Total marks
S4
Typical year
How Assessment Works
National 5 English is assessed across 4 components, totalling 100 marks.
Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation
ExamOne unseen non-fiction passage; questions on understanding, analysis, and evaluation. Set and marked by Qualifications Scotland.
Critical Reading
ExamSection 1 (20 marks): questions on a previously studied Scottish text. Section 2 (20 marks): one critical essay from a choice, on a different genre from Section 1.
Portfolio — Writing (Folio)
CourseworkOne piece only — either broadly creative or broadly discursive. Maximum 1,000 words. First draft completed in class under supervision; submitted to Qualifications Scotland for external marking.
Performance — Spoken Language
PerformanceGroup discussion or presentation. Does not contribute to the A–D grade but is required for full certification.
Grade boundaries, 2026 and before
The minimum mark for each grade, as published by Qualifications Scotland after each diet. The notional design points are 70% for an A, 60% for a B, 50% for a C (the pass) and 40% for a D, and the actual lines are moved after marking so a grade means the same whether the paper ran hard or easy — which is why the C sits where it does below rather than at exactly half marks.
| Year | Out of | A | B | C | D | C as % of marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 100 | 72 | 61 | 51 | 40 | 51% |
| 2025 | 100 | 73 | 62 | 52 | 41 | 52% |
| 2024 | 100 | 72 | 61 | 50 | 39 | 50% |
| 2023 | 100 | 70 | 59 | 48 | 37 | 48% |
| 2022 | 100 | 72 | 61 | 50 | 39 | 50% |
Marks, not percentages — the paper is graded out of the “out of” column, which can change when a course is revised. Source: Qualifications Scotland — Grade boundaries 2026 workbook (ref 26GB), read 2026-09-14. Boundaries are set after marking each year and the next set appears on results day.
What You Study
National 5 English is organised into 4 course areas.
Reading, Analysis and Evaluation
- Understanding unseen non-fiction texts
- Identifying and evaluating language techniques
- Summarising and explaining writer's purpose
Critical Reading
- Close reading of a studied Scottish text
- Critical essay on a studied text (drama, prose, poetry, or film/TV)
- Analysis of theme, characterisation, and language
Writing
- Creative writing (narrative, descriptive, or personal reflective)
- Discursive writing (argumentative or persuasive)
- Portfolio piece submitted to Qualifications Scotland
Spoken Language
- Group discussion or individual presentation
- Achieved/Not Achieved (does not affect grade)
- Must be achieved for full certification
Important Assessment Notes
Talking / Speaking Performance
National 5 English includes an internally assessed talking or speaking performance. This component is conducted with your teacher and contributes to your overall grade. Preparation and regular practice with your teacher is essential.
Assignment Note
One folio piece (max 1,000 words), first draft written in class. Creative or discursive — your choice.
After National 5 English
Most pupils who achieve a grade C or above in National 5 English progress to Higher English in S5. Higher English.
Next step
Higher English guide →
Course structure, assessment and grade boundaries for Higher English.
Editor’s note
English is taken by almost every S4 pupil. The folio counts for 30% — choosing a genre you genuinely enjoy writing gives a real advantage.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions about National 5 English
How is National 5 English assessed?
National 5 English is assessed through the following components: Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation (30 marks, 1 hour); Critical Reading (40 marks, 1 hour 30 minutes); Portfolio — Writing (Folio) (30 marks (15 raw, doubled), First draft in class (up to 4 hours, may be split)); Performance — Spoken Language (Achieved / Not Achieved, In-centre assessment). The total is 100 marks, with 30% coming from coursework.
How long is the National 5 English exam?
The National 5 English exam is 2 hours 30 minutes across 2 papers. There is also a coursework component worth 30% of the total grade.
What grade do you need to pass National 5 English?
You need a grade C or above (50% or more) to pass National 5 English. Grade C is the minimum required for progression to Higher English in S5. Grade A requires 70%+, grade B requires 60–69%, and grade C requires 50–59%.
Does National 5 English have coursework?
Yes — coursework makes up 30% of the total grade in National 5 English. One folio piece (max 1,000 words), first draft written in class. Creative or discursive — your choice.
What do you study in National 5 English?
National 5 English covers the following course areas: Reading, Analysis and Evaluation, Critical Reading, Writing, Spoken Language. Together these give a broad foundation at SCQF Level 5, leading to Higher English in S5.
What comes after National 5 English?
After National 5 English, most pupils progress to Higher English in S5. See our detailed guide to Higher English for course structure and assessment information.
Course data sourced from Qualifications Scotland course specifications. Assessment details correct for the 6.0 (September 2025) specification.
Full course documentation available at qualifications.scot.