Many students who sat the 2026 National 5 Applications of Mathematics Paper 1 believe the exam was significantly more difficult than expected. A large number of questions, an example of the probability section, contained confusing  wording that made it difficult for students to understand what was being asked under strict exam conditions.

In addition, several calculations were unusually complex for a Paper 1 exam and felt more similar to questions normally seen in Paper 2. Due to the limited time given, many students were unable to complete the paper despite preparing well for the course. Students were forced to rush through questions under pressure, which affected performance and increased stress during the exam.

Description

We are asking the Scottish Qualifications Authority to carefully review the 2026 National 5 Applications of Mathematics Paper 1 and consider lowering the grade boundaries to ensure fairness for students across Scotland.

Many candidates found the paper unusually demanding because of:

confusing and unfamiliar wording in probability questions,
difficult calculations that are more commonly expected in Paper 2,
and insufficient time to properly complete the exam.
A significant number of students report that they did not have enough time to finish the paper, even after revising thoroughly and practising past papers. The pressure of rushing through complex questions made it difficult for students to demonstrate their true ability.

We believe the grade boundaries should reflect the overall difficulty and timing challenges of this year’s exam to ensure students are assessed fairly.

Throughout the year, I worked consistently hard for National 5 Applications of Maths and felt confident going into the exam based on my performance in class, assessments, and my prelim result. I spent months revising past papers and practicing the style of questions we were normally expected to see in Paper 1.

However, during the actual exam, the paper felt very different from what many students had prepared for. The calculations were longer and more complex than expected for a non-calculator paper, and the timing became a major issue. I found myself rushing through questions and worrying more about finishing the paper than properly showing my understanding. Even students who usually perform very strongly found it difficult to manage within the time given.

I believe the paper did not fairly reflect the preparation and ability of many students this year, and I hope the Scottish Qualifications Authority takes this into account when deciding grade boundaries.