Be Prepared with the Advanced Higher 2025 Exam Timetable!

⏰ Attention Advanced Higher students! Even though it feels like you’ve just gotten back to school, the Advanced Higher Exams in 2025 are approaching fast! Most exams kick off in April and wrap up by the end of May, so it's time to plan ahead, create your exam timetable, and prepare a coherent and organised study planner with StudySmarter’s handy guide!

How to make revision notes, student holding a laptop, StudySmarter Magazine

To recap, Advanced Higher refers to a level of qualification in the Scottish education system. It is part of the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) and is typically taken by students in their final year of secondary education, known as S6, following the completion of Higher qualifications. Advanced Higher qualifications are equivalent to the second year of university-level study in some cases.

What Dates are the Advanced Higher Exams 2025?

The Advanced Higher Exam Timetable for 2025 starts on Thursday, the 24th of April and ends on Tuesday, the 27th of May. The exams are set out by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), ensuring that all students take their exams on the specified dates and times.

Here is a detailed overview of the exam dates and subjects:

Advanced Higher Exam Timetable 2025

The timetable for the 2025 Advanced Higher Exams is as follows:

Week 1:

  • Monday, 28th April:
    • Music (9:00 AM – 10:15 AM)
  • Tuesday, 29th April:
    • Geography (13:00 PM – 15:30 PM)
  • Wednesday 30th April:
    • Graphic Communication (13:00 PM – 15:30 PM)
  • Thursday 1st May:
    • Chemistry (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
  • Friday 2nd May:
    • Economics (9:00 AM – 11:30 AM)

Week 2:

  • Tuesday, 6th May:
    • English: Literary Study (12:30 PM – 14:00 PM)
    • English: Textual Analysis (14:30 PM – 16:00 PM)
  • Wednesday 7th May:
    • Mathematics of Mechanics (13:00 PM – 16:00 PM)
  • Thursday 8th May:
    • German: Reading and Translation (12:30 PM – 14:00 PM)
    • German: Listening and Discursive Writing (14:30 PM – 15:50 PM)
  • Friday 9th May:
    • History (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

Week 3:

  • Monday, 12th May:
    • Mathematics: Paper 1 Non-Calculator (9:00 AM – 10:00 AM)
    • Mathematics: Paper 2 (10:30 AM – 13:00 PM)
  • Tuesday, 13th May:
    • Classical Studies (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
    • Design and Manufacture (13:00 PM – 15:15 PM)
  • Thursday 15th May:
    • Physics (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
  • Friday 16th May:
    • Computing Science (13:00 PM – 15:00 PM)

Week 4:

  • Monday, 19th May:
    • Spanish: Reading and Translation (9:00 AM – 10:30 AM)
    • Spanish: Listening and Discursive Writing (11:00 PM – 12:20 PM)
  • Tuesday, 20th May:
    • Modern Studies (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
  • Thursday 22nd May:
    • Gaelic (Learners): Reading and Translation (9:00 AM – 10:30 AM)
    • Gaelic (Learners): Listening and Discursive Writing (11:00 AM – 12:20 PM)
    • Business Management (13:30 PM – 16:15 PM)
  • Friday 23rd May:
    • French: Reading and Translation (9:00 AM – 10:30 AM)
    • French: Listening and Discursive Writing (11:00 AM – 12:20 PM)

Week 5:

  • Monday, 26th May:
    • Health and Food Technology (13:00 PM – 15:30 PM)
  • Tuesday, 27th May:
    • Biology (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
  • Wednesday 28th May:
    • Statistics: Paper 1 (9:00 AM – 10:00 AM)
    • Statistics: Paper 2 (10:20 AM – 13:05 PM)
    • Cantonese: Reading and Translation (9:00 AM – 10:30 AM)
    • Cantonese: Listening and Discursive Writing (13:00 PM – 14:45 PM)
    • Mandarin Simplified: Reading and Translation (9:00 AM – 10:30 AM)
    • Mandarin Simplified: Listening and Discursive Writing (13:00 PM – 14:45 PM)
    • Mandarin Traditional: Reading and Translation (9:00 AM – 10:30 AM)
    • Mandarin Traditional: Listening and Discursive Writing (13:00 PM – 14:45 PM)
  • Thursday 29th May:
    • Accounting (9:00 AM – 11:30 AM)
    • Italian: Reading and Translation (9:00 AM – 10:30 AM)
    • Italian: Listening and Discursive Writing (11:15 AM – 12:35 PM)
    • Latin: Literary Appreciation (9:00 AM – 10:45 AM)
    • Latin: Translating (13:30 PM – 15:00 PM)
  • Friday 30th May:
    • Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies (9:00 AM – 12:00 AM)
    • Engineering Science (13:00 PM – 15:30 PM)

Note: This timetable is a general guide. Make sure to verify the official exam timetable provided by your school for any updates or specific instructions.

Tips for Advanced Higher Exam Revision Preparation

Now that you have the 2025 Advanced Higher Exam Dates Timetable, it’s time to think about your revision strategy. Here are some tips to help you prepare effectively:

  1. Start Early: Begin revising well in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
  2. Create a Study Schedule: Organize your revision into manageable chunks by prioritizing subjects and areas you find most challenging.
  3. Active Revision Techniques: Use techniques like spaced repetition, active recall, and flashcards to reinforce difficult topics.
  4. Use Timetabling Tools: Utilize study planners to maintain balance between subjects and schedule regular breaks. The Pomodoro technique can be useful for maintaining focus.
  5. Condense Notes: Summarize your study materials into key points for easier review and analysis.
  6. Use Past Papers: Practice with past papers and marking schemes to familiarize yourself with the exam format and commonly asked questions.
  7. Practice Exam Writing: Time yourself while writing answers to develop effective time management and exam techniques.
  8. Develop Healthy Study Habits: Maintain a balanced lifestyle with adequate sleep and a healthy diet to optimize brain function.
  9. Choose the Right Study App: Utilize study apps like StudySmarter to help you organize your revision and practice effectively.

 

Advanced Higher Exam Day Prep 2025: Important Things to Remember

Here are the most important things to keep in mind for your exam days:

  • Get a Good Night’s Sleep: A full night’s sleep before the exam can improve focus and performance.
  • Eat a Healthy Breakfast: Choose a nutritious breakfast to sustain energy levels throughout the exam.
  • Double-Check Exam Details: Confirm the exam time, venue, and any specific instructions.
  • Pack Your Bag the Night Before: Prepare all necessary materials, such as pens, pencils, a calculator, and any other required equipment.
  • Stay Hydrated: Bring a bottle of water to the exam if allowed to help maintain concentration.
  • Arrive Early: Arriving at least 30 minutes early can help reduce stress and give you time to settle in.
  • Avoid Last-Minute Cramming: Instead, review key concepts calmly or relax to maintain clarity of mind.
  • Stay Calm and Focused: Engage in relaxation techniques like deep breathing to reduce anxiety before the exam.
  • Read Instructions Carefully: Once the exam begins, take time to read all instructions and questions carefully.
  • Manage Your Time: Allocate your time wisely for each question and keep an eye on the clock.
  • Review Your Answers: If time permits, review your answers to correct any mistakes or add additional points.
  • Follow Exam Protocols: Adhere to all exam rules, including using only approved materials and not speaking to other candidates.

 

What is an Advanced Higher Equivalent to?

An Advanced Higher qualification in the Scottish education system is broadly equivalent to the following levels of qualifications in other systems:

1. Rest of the UK (England, Wales, and Northern Ireland):

  • A-levels: Advanced Highers are generally considered equivalent to the second year of A-level study. However, because Advanced Highers are more in-depth and specialized, they are sometimes regarded as a step above A-levels, particularly when a student takes them in their final year of secondary school.
  • University Level: Advanced Highers can be roughly equivalent to first-year university study in some cases. This is why some universities may allow students with high grades in Advanced Highers to enter directly into the second year of certain degree programs.

2. European Union (EQF) and International:

  • In the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), Advanced Highers would be comparable to Level 5 qualifications, aligning with the first year of higher education (university-level) study.
  • In terms of the International Baccalaureate (IB), an Advanced Higher is often seen as comparable to Higher Level (HL) subjects within the IB diploma.

 

Advanced Higher Exam Timetable 2026

The Advanced Higher Exam Timetable for 2026 have not been announced yet. However, if you are preparing for your Advanced Highers in 2025, it’s important to stay informed about any potential curriculum or exam changes.

As the Advanced Higher exam days in 2025 approach, be sure to check your official timetable, stay organized, and prepare effectively to ace your exams! Start the year off strong! 💪

Advanced Higher Exam Timetable: FAQs

What is Advanced Higher?

Advanced Higher qualifications are part of the Scottish education system, typically taken by students in their final year of secondary school (S6). They are designed for students who want to specialize in particular subjects and demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in preparation for university or employment. Advanced Highers involve in-depth study, independent research, and a combination of exams and coursework.

What is an Advanced Higher equivalent to?

In the rest of the UK (England, Wales, Northern Ireland), Advanced Higher is equivalent to A-levels, but is often seen as slightly more advanced or specialized.

When do the Advanced Higher exams start?

The Advanced Higher exam period begins Monday 28th April, 2025.

When do the Advanced Higher exams end?

Advanced Higher exams end on Friday 30th May, 2025.