Academic Curriculum

Education is devolved and England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales all have slightly different education systems, delivered in slightly different ways. School years may be categorised differently, and depending on when your child’s birthday is, you may find that they start at a different time. There are also different public examinations.

Academic Progression through Lathallan Senior School

A Lathallan education is unique in many ways but we follow the Scottish Curriculum. We offer a broad and rigorous curriculum throughout the school, which leads to SQA national qualifications at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher.

In S1-S2 (ages 12-13) we start with a broad range of subjects to allow growing minds to find out what interests them most. 

From S3 pupils (aged 14+) select up to eight subjects and begin the two-year National Qualifications course before eventually going on to Highers in S5 (aged 16+). Higher examinations are taken in five subjects in this year with a range of options, including Advanced Highers, being available in S6. 

Please find below our course choice information for the academic session 2025-2026. 

Below is a guide to the key differences between SQA (Scottish) and GCSE/A Level (English) qualifications. 

The Scottish Framework – National 5s and Highers

In Scotland, the SQA (Scottish Qualifications Authority) framework is the standard.

National 5 (N5) – These are typically sat in S4 and are the broad equivalent of GCSEs. They provide the foundation for further study.

Highers – Sat in S5 (and sometimes S6), Highers are the primary gateway to university in Scotland. Most students take four or five subjects in a single year.

Advanced Highers – Taken in S6, these offer a depth of study that mirrors the first year of university. While not always a requirement for Scottish university entry, they are highly valued for competitive courses and across the rest of the UK.

The English Framework – GCSEs and A Levels

Used in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, this system is a common point of comparison for international and UK-wide admissions.

GCSEs – Taken at age 16, similar to National 5s.

A Levels – These are typically two-year courses sat during Year 12 and Year 13. Students usually specialize in three subjects.

AS Levels – Now largely standalone one-year qualifications, these no longer contribute to the final A Level grade in the English system.