EXAMS in Scotland’s schools this year have been cancelled for the first time in history – including during the two world wars – John Swinney has announced.

The Deputy First Minister and Education Secretary said the “unprecedented” decision was a sign of the “gravity” of the situation the country was facing as a result of the coronavirus.

Schools will close from the end of tomorrow, with Swinney explaining “scientific advice now highlights that closing schools will help to suppress the spread of coronavirus”.

He told MSPs at Holyrood: “In all of our history, Scotland has never cancelled the exams. Since 1888 they have been held every May or June, without fail.

“In the midst of two world wars the exams went ahead. It is a measure of the gravity of the challenge we now face that I must today announce the exams will not go ahead this year.”

Swinney went on to announce that despite the closures, Scotland’s chief examining officer had advised him an alternative certification model could be put in place to ensure pupils would get their awards this year. The arrangement will involve the use of coursework and teacher assessments of estimated grades.

He insisted the plan would “ensure that young people in our schools and colleges who, through no fault of their own, are unable to sit exams are in no way disadvantaged”.

Fiona Robertson, Scotland’s chief examining officer and chief executive of the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), said work had started “at pace” to develop the new “certification model”. She said the estimated grades would be based on “the available evidence gathered throughout the year” and previous scores.

Pupils are still expected to receive their results no later than August 4.

She added: “I fully appreciate that this will be an uncertain time for learners who have worked hard throughout the year and will now, with their families, be worried about what this means for them.

“Everyone here at SQA will do their utmost, with the support of the education system, to ensure that their hard work is rightly and fairly recognised, and allows them to proceed to further learning or work.”

Despite the school closures, the Education Secretary said teaching would continue through online work and lessons to be sent home with pupils today.

“At the end of tomorrow, schools and nurseries should ordinarily close for children and young people. Teaching, learning and support will continue, albeit in different ways for different groups of children. Teachers and other staff who are well will continue to be working.

“Senior phase pupils with coursework for national qualifications to complete will be informed by their schools how to complete this.”

Swinney also announced that the Scottish Government was discussing with local authorities plans to offer a skeleton service in certain “hub schools” to teach the children of key frontline workers as well as offer classes to vulnerable pupils.

Taking questions after his statement, MSPs asked which groups of people would be defined as key workers whose children would continue to be able to go to school. Labour’s education spokesman Iain Gray asked whether supermarket workers would be included. Swinney said all NHS workers will be regarded as key, but there could be wider flexibility depending on the needs in local areas.

LibDem leader Willie Rennie asked if there would be an element of self-declaration or whether it will up to local councils.

Swinney replied: “There will be limited provision available to accommodate children within the education and early learning system. If we do not limit provision, we will defeat the object of closing schools and nurseries. There is a fine balance to be struck there, and what must be the controlling influence in that judgment is scientific opinion about what will help to tackle the virus and what will hinder tackling it.”

Speaking after Swinney’s update to Holyrood, the Scottish Greens’ education spokesman Ross Greer said: “Exams may be cancelled but qualifications are not. Young people will still be recognised for the work they have done and the knowledge and skills they have gained.

“What we need now is urgent clarity over how coursework due next week is to be submitted, assurances that pupils without home internet connections or other challenges won’t be disadvantaged in these last few days before their deadlines and clear, regular communication from the SQA to teachers, pupils and parents on the next steps.”