Category: North Edinburgh News

It’s Results Day 2022

Near record pass rates for National 5s, Highers and Advanced Highers in an exam year

TODAY thousands of young people across Scotland have received the results for their Nationals, Highers, Advanced Highers, National Progression Awards, Skills for Work Awards, National Certificates and Awards.

These results will allow young people to take the next step on their learning journey; either continuing at school, moving on to college or university, or entering employment or a workplace-based training programme.

All learners will have their results certificate delivered to their home address by first class post on Tuesday 9 August. Those who have signed-up for and activated their MySQA account will also receive their results by text and/or email this morning.

If learners do not receive their certificate with their post, they can contact their school, college or training provider, who can provide results and work with SQA to find out what has happened to the certificate.

On Results Day, SQA’s helpline opened at 8 am to answer learners’ questions about their certificates. Young people can also call Skills Development Scotland to speak to dedicated careers advisors about the options that are available to them.

Pass rates for National 5s, Highers and Advanced Highers have increased to near record levels for any exam year since current qualifications were introduced.

The overall percentage of A grades is also higher than 2019, when exams were last held, and the number of skills-based qualifications, awards and certificates has increased to a near record 64,240.

Almost 138,000 learners are receiving Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) results today – the highest number since 2017.

These show:

  • the National 5 pass rate was 80.8% (250,730 passes) – up from 78.2% in 2019
  • the Higher pass rate was 78.9% (148,540 passes) – up from 74.8% in 2019
  • the Advanced Higher pass rate was 81.3% (22,940 passes) – up from 79.4% in 2019

Today’s results also show the gap between attainment levels in the least and most deprived areas has narrowed from the 2019 level:

  • for National 5, the gap was 14.6 percentage points – down from 17.1 percentage points in 2019 
  • for Higher, the gap was 15.0 percentage points – down from 16.9 percentage points in 2019
  • for Advanced Higher, the gap was 13.2 percentage points – down from 13.6 percentage points in 2019 

Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “This is one of the strongest ever sets of results for any exam year, which is particularly impressive given the significant challenges learners have faced as a result of the pandemic.

“Pass rates for National 5s, Highers and Advanced Highers have increased compared with 2019, with A passes also up, and skills-based qualifications are close to the highest ever figure.

“It is important to note, though, that although 2022 saw a return to exams, it was not a return to normality. The approach to exams reflected the disruption to teaching and learning that young people faced and a wide-ranging package of support and modifications was put in place.

“I am confident that the approach, which was informed by views from across the education system, as well as learners, has delivered a credible, consistent and fair set of results for our young people. Indeed, universities have assured learners that they support the 2022 approach to assessment, and industry leaders have spoken publicly about how much they value this year’s qualifications.

“Today’s results illustrate the wide range of qualifications that learners are choosing, and I welcome the increase in skills-based awards. These qualifications equip young people with the skills they need to enter apprenticeships or go into the workplace, where they will support Scotland’s economic recovery after COVID-19.

“There are many different pathways to success and I want to celebrate the full breadth of learners’ achievements and to pay tribute to our young people for working so hard and showing such resilience.

“I’d also like to thank our incredible teachers and education staff, and, of course parents and carers, who have supported learners during another very challenging year.

“While the results show the gap between attainment levels in the least and most deprived areas has narrowed from the 2019 level, we know that the pandemic has disproportionately impacted learners from more disadvantaged backgrounds. We are determined to accelerate the progress that has been made and we are investing a record £1 billion in the Scottish Attainment Challenge during this parliamentary term.

“Some learners may not be receiving the results they were hoping for today. This year there is a free, direct appeals service for those whose National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher awarded grade is less than the estimate submitted by their school or college. There is also plenty of help available on next steps, including from the Skills Development Scotland Results Helpline.”

This year, Scotland has returned to formal national exams, supported by a package of measures (course modifications and revision support, as well as wider support from across the education system).

These measures were designed to address the ongoing disruption to learning and teaching that young people experienced, while maintaining standards.

In addition, SQA has adopted a more generous approach to grading to help ensure fairness for learners. This is in recognition of the fact that those preparing for and sitting exams have done so in very different circumstances from those who sat exams in 2019, having experienced disruption to their learning over two academic years.

Learners can be confident that the qualifications they receive are credible and fair, and that they reflect the knowledge, understanding and skills they have acquired through their hard work in very challenging circumstances. Colleges, universities and employers, can also be confident that standards and integrity have been maintained in 2022.

Young people can also appeal their grade for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses directly through SQA for free. Learners can appeal if their final result is lower than the grade their school, college or training provider expected. While the final decision is the candidate’s, SQA would encourage anyone considering submitting an appeal to discuss their decision with their teacher, lecturer or other member of staff first.

Priority appeals are available for learners who have a conditional offer for a college or university place or for a training or employment offer and must be submitted to SQA by Friday 19 August.

All other appeals must be submitted by Friday 2 September.

Full details on eligibility and how to register an appeal and a copy of SQA’s Appeals 2022 – what you need to know (495 KB) booklet has been delivered to the homes of all learners taking National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses.

Annette McKenna, Senior Operations Manager at SQA, said: ‘I want to thank candidates across Scotland for their hard work and dedication in preparing for and sitting their exams and assessments. Learners can have confidence in their grades and be proud of what they have accomplished.

‘I also want to thank all the teaching and support staff who have gone to exceptional lengths to support learners and help them achieve their results. It is thanks to them that candidates are able to reach their full potential.

‘I encourage anyone who has any queries or needs advice come Results Day, to call the helplines where dedicated members of staff will be happy to help and guide you.’

SQA’s Candidate Advice Line will be available on Results Day from 8 am to 6 pm, then Wednesday 10 August to Tuesday 16 August (excluding weekends) from 8:30 am to 5 pm. The line can be reached on 0345 279 1000.

Skills Development Scotland can be contacted on 0808 100 8000 and will be open from 8 am to 8 pm on Tuesday 9 August and Wednesday 10 August. It will be open 9 am to 5 pm from Thursday 11 August to Wednesday 17 August, excluding weekends.

Children’s Commissioner Bruce Adamson has congratulated young people on their achievements during the pandemic. 

IN a video message, he’s said ‘well done’ to those who are pleased with their results. But he’s also reminded young people who might be feeling disappointed, that setbacks happen to us all.  

Commissioner Bruce says: “I want to say a big congratulations to all of you. It’s been a difficult few years and you’ve worked really, really hard. It’s important that we recognise all of your achievements. 

“If you’ve got the results you hope for, that is brilliant. For those who don’t get the results you hoped for, don’t panic. There really is no wrong path, and we’ve all had setbacks in our academic careers. 

“Take the opportunity to think about what you want to do next to develop that amazing potential that you have.”

Paul Johnson, NSPCC Childline Team Manager, Scotland, said: “At Childline we know that results day and the period running up to it can be a really stressful time for young people.

“This year we saw the return of exams for the first time in three years after the pandemic and young people have told our Childline counsellors that they have been feeling anxious and stressed about revision and sitting them.

“Some young people have also told us they felt underprepared for exams after studying from home for long periods of time in the last few years.

“Now, as they find out their results from the exams, it is vital that they feel supported and listened to.

“Young people often tell us they are worried they will get lower grades than they need to get into their preferred course or University, and they feel anxious and unsettled because it’s out of their control.

“Often they have high expectations for themselves, or their family can put them under pressure to perform well.

“Some young people think their whole future depends on these results and this is their last chance to get into the further education course of their choice, or an apprenticeship that they have applied for.

“In such circumstances, it’s possible the young person could appeal their results or resit their exams the following year. They could also look at alternative courses or universities through clearing, and there’s the option of taking a gap year. Speaking to a teacher could be very helpful in assisting a young person to decide on which is the best option to take.

“If any young person is feeling apprehensive and worried about their results, I’d urge them to talk to someone about it.

“It can be very upsetting for a young person not to get the grades they had hoped for or expected, and it can affect their confidence. But it’s important for them to know that many others are going through the same thing and there are a range of options to explore. 

“There are also lots of trusted adults they can turn to for help and support whether that’s a teacher, careers advisor, parent, carer or Childline.

“Every year our specially trained counsellors carry out counselling sessions with hundreds of children across the UK who are worried about their exams and results. They listen to the young person’s concerns, offer advice about dealing with anxiety and help explore the different options available for those who don’t get their desired results.

“The conversation is confidential, and no worry is ever too small.”

Young people under the age of 19 can get free, confidential support and advice from Childline at www.childline.org.uk or by calling 0800 1111 for free.

They might also find it helpful to talk to other young people who are going through similar experiences on the Childline message boards. For more exam results advice visit: https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/school-college-and-work/school-college/exam-results/

A girl aged 16 from Scotland, said: “We have final assessments starting next week and we’ve only been given a couple of weeks to learn the content and I’m struggling with it all to be honest.

“I was predicted straight As but at this rate my grades will be nowhere near that. I’m so anxious I feel sick constantly. I’ve never really struggled with exams before – I found national 5’s really easy but when I went up to higher and there was lockdowns and stuff I started really struggling.” (Girl, aged 16, Scotland)

A girl aged 17 from Scotland, said: “I feel really stressed and worried and don’t know what to do. I had my first ever exam today and I feel like it went horrible.

“In my prelims, I got all As but today’s exam felt way harder and don’t know if I will be able to appeal. I feel I’m going to be stressing over this the whole summer until my exam results come back and still I have 3 other exams to go.” (Girl, aged 17, Scotland)

Advice

For young people who may not achieved the results they wanted:

  • Ask a teacher, careers advisor or any adult you trust what they think and discuss your options and how you are feeling.
  • Remind yourself of what you did well in whether that be specific pieces of coursework, or other parts of your life.
  • Don’t compare yourself to your friends.
  • If you do not feel your grade reflects your ability speak to your school about making an appeal.
  • Look at other courses or training programmes and apprenticeships that you can do.
  • If you haven’t got a place at your chosen university, try not to worry as there is a chance you could get a place at another university through the clearing process.
  • Take a gap year and do something different like volunteering.
  • Look at different courses that you can do with the grades you have achieved.

For parents and carers:

  • Your child may find it hard to talk to you about their results so be patient and supportive until they feel ready to talk about how they feel.
  • Encourage your child to take their time to think about what they want to do next. There’s no need to rush into a decision straightaway.
  • Help them think about their choices by writing down a list of pros and cons for each of their options
  • If they are finding it hard to talk to you, let them know they can contact Childline for free, confidential support and advice on 0800 1111 or www.childline.org.uk

Expert guide to feeding fussy felines

Pet behaviourist shares their top five tips for getting your furry friend eating again

Cats have gained a bit of a reputation for being fussy, particularly when it comes to food, but sometimes their eating habits (or lack thereof)  can be a sign of something bigger. Cats can be fussy eaters at the best of times but sometimes their unwillingness can be a sign of something bigger.

Hunting activity is ingrained in a cat’s DNA and when we take this activity away by simply providing food on a plate, it can have a knock-on impact.

So, to get your fussy feline eating enthusiastically again, Bella & Duke’s  pet behaviourist Caroline Spencer shares her top tips:

  1. Understand your cat’s eating habits

Cats are naturally suspicious animals and new food can cause anxiety initially.

Keep them interested by incorporating play, especially chasing or hunting activities, before mealtime.

Cats also prefer their food at the same temperature as “prey” would be in the wild. Before placing their food down on a feeding board or plate  pop your cat’s meal into a bowl and place in warm water to replicate this.

  1. Find the right feeding location

Cats tend to be private creatures who like the quiet and generally don’t like to be watched while eating.

Try to make sure the room they eat in is peaceful and free of activity during mealtime. No children running around, no radio playing or dishwasher running.

  1. Add tasty additions

Adding a favourite natural, dehydrated treat like our Supreme Sprats or a little bit of beaten raw egg to their food will encourage many fussy cats to get stuck in. 

You could also sprinkle your fussy cat’s meal with antler powder, drizzle some bone broth over the top or even add a small amount of tinned sardines in spring water to enhance the aroma.

  1. Work out the best time to feed

Cats are mostly active at dawn and dusk and eat best in the early morning or late at night.

Have you noticed your cat has an increased amount of energy just about the time you settle down for the evening? Give them a meal after this expenditure of energy and also put food out around dawn.

  1. Find the right feeding surface

Many will be surprised to hear that cats don’t like the smell of plastic or their whiskers touching the side of a bowl while they’re trying to eat.

Try serving their food on a wooden board, glass or ceramic plate instead. Make sure it’s spotlessly clean too – cats don’t like to smell old food while they eat.

Caroline Spencer, Pet Behaviourist at Bella & Duke added; “Cats are notorious for being independent pets and that doesn’t stop when it comes to their food.

“Feeding a picky eater can be frustrating when they turn their nose up at mealtime, try to understand what might be affecting this, it could just be something as simple as the placement of where the food is put.”

75th anniversary of the Edinburgh Festival celebrated in new biography

The Edinburgh Festival: A Biography by David Pollock, has just been published by Luath Press in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Edinburgh International Festival and Festival Fringe.

With the arrival of the August programme of Festival events, arts and culture writer David Pollock draws upon his experiences as reviewer of over 1,000 shows to present a timely overview of the history of these world-renowned festivals.

The first to tell the complete history of the Edinburgh Festival, Pollock’s book paints an extraordinary portrait of the growth, glory years and struggles of this global cultural phenomenon.

He introduces a wide cast of key individuals and shows, including Fleabag, Peter Cook and Dudley Moore, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson, Stephen Fry, Joseph Beuys, The Fall and Six: The Musical. The Edinburgh Festival: A Biography provides a unique perspective on the social and cultural history of Scotland and its capital in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Citizens’ panel to help shape how the Parliament engages with the people of Scotland

People from across Scotland will be invited to join a Citizens’ Panel which will look to improve how the Parliament works with people across Scotland. 
The 24-person panel, to be selected at random, will broadly reflect the demographic make-up of Scotland. The Citizens’ Panel on Participation will give members of the public a direct opportunity to influence change.  

They will report to the Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee who recently launched an inquiry into public participation.

The panel is just one of the many ways the Committee is gathering views that will help inform how the Parliament involves, reflects and meets the needs of all the communities it represents, with a focus on improving engagement for those currently under-represented.  

Participants do not need any prior knowledge to take part and the panel will receive support throughout the sessions, which will hear from speakers who are passionate about democracy and public participation, to help facilitate discussion and inform findings. 

Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Convener, Jackson Carlaw MSP, said: “This is a unique opportunity to help shape the way the Scottish Parliament works with the people of Scotland and I would encourage everyone who receives an invitation over the coming weeks to register and get involved.  

“We know that the Parliament doesn’t hear enough from some groups and communities and this Citizens’ Panel will bring together a diverse range of voices to make recommendations over how Holyrood can better connect and reflect the views of the people MSPs are here to represent. 

“If selected, your views could help to directly shape the future of the way the Scottish Parliament engages with communities across Scotland and improve public participation in decision making across the board.” 

Council makes £12m bid to boost community projects

Edinburgh is bidding for more than £12m in Shared Prosperity Funding from the UK Government as the Council targets support for a series of poverty-tackling community projects.

From money for employment initiatives and skills development to new measures to help Edinburgh’s most disadvantaged through the cost-of-living crisis, up to 32 projects to reduce inequalities between communities could benefit from funding.

The shortlist also includes an initiative to create a number of new community growing areas, projects designed to support people into work and an innovative ‘GreenTech’ Accelerator programme to promote entrepreneurial skills and new start-ups. A ‘Residents First’ programme of exclusive access to cultural events is also planned, alongside a new youth work space and events for older people at risk of social isolation.

Following the submission of the Council’s investment plan, there will be negotiations with the UK Government before initial funding can be released.  

If successful, the money will be provided by the UK Government under the Shared Prosperity Fund, which aims to build pride in place and increase life chances across the UK by funding projects which support local business, people and skills and boost communities and local places.

Acting as a successor to European Union Structural Funds, it could start supporting projects in Edinburgh as early as this October, all the way through to 2025.

A report outlining the bid was agreed by the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee on Thursday (4 August).

Councillor Jane Meagher, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “Our communities make our city and we’re so lucky to have a great number of incredible people working so hard to support local projects and bring forward new ideas.

“It hasn’t been easy for the panel to narrow this shortlist down and I’m really grateful to everyone involved. They have chosen an exciting and diverse mix of important projects – each and every one of them designed to tackle poverty and improve lives at a local level – and I’m pleased the selection has received Committee’s approval.

“We agreed that we would provide updates on the bid regularly, including the role of under-represented groups. We all want to make sure these efforts are inclusive and support a diverse range of residents.

“This funding allocation really will mean the world to those involved and will allow us to help thousands of people. I’m looking forward to early confirmation from the UK Government on our success with this bid, as I’m keen that we start delivering right away.”

Adult Social Care needs immediate funding injection and long-term plan, says Levelling Up Committee

The UK Government urgently needs to come forward with additional funding this year to help the ravaged adult social care sector meet immediate pressures, including inflation and unmet care needs, says the cross-party Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (LUHC) Committee in a report published last week.

Examining the Government’s charging reforms and local government finance, unpaid carers and workforce challenges, the report says the “message rang clear throughout our inquiry: the adult social care sector does not have enough funding either in the here and now, or in the longer-term”.

The Committee’s report outlines that:

  • On adult social care, the Government currently has nothing more than a vision, with no roadmap, no timetable, no milestones, and no measures of success.
  • The Government should come forward with 10-year plans for how it will achieve its vision outlined in the People at the Heart of Care White Paper and for the adult social care workforce
  • The Government should provide a multi-year funding settlement to give local authorities what they need in terms of their own sustainability and their ability to help shape sustainable local care markets.

Clive Betts, Chair of Westminster’s Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee, said: “As Prime Minister, Boris Johnson said he would fix the crisis in social care once and for all.

“The Government deserves credit for attempting reform and for acting to try to prevent the unpredictable and catastrophic costs which can be inflicted upon people for their care. However, the Government should be under no illusions that it has come close to rescuing social care and it needs to be open with the public that there is a long way to go.

“Ultimately, whether it relates to immediate cost pressures or on wider structural issues in the sector, the fundamental problem is that there continues to be a large funding gap in adult social care which needs filling. Those who need care, their loved ones, and care workers deserve better.

“The NHS and adult social care provision should not be pit against one another. The two systems are interdependent and each needs to be adequately funded to reduce pressure on the other. Wherever the money comes from—from allocating a higher proportion of levy proceeds to social care, or from central government grants—the Government urgently needs to allocate more funding to adult social care in the order of several billions each year.”

The report notes the additional pressures of Covid-19 as having exacerbated the underlying structural challenges of rising demand, unmet need, and difficulties in recruiting and retaining staff.

It also notes severe current pressures arising from increases in the National Living Wage and the National Minimum Wage, and from rising inflation. That most of the funding from the Health and Social Care Levy Levy will go to the NHS, and the money that will go to adult social care is for reforms, not cost pressures, is also highlighted in the report.

Addressing the Government’s sector reforms, the report notes the positive stakeholder reception to the vision outlined in the Government’s White Paper on long-term reform of adult social care, titled People at the Heart of Care.

The report commends the Government for introducing many welcome initiatives such as those relating to housing and data which could make a significant difference in the long-term to people’s lives.

The report calls on the Government to publish a 10-year plan for how its vision in the People at the Heart of Care White Paper will be achieved, taking into account how the different policies interweave and affect one another. The Government should also publish a 10-year strategy for the adult social care workforce which includes a clear roadmap with core milestones, outcomes, and measures of success.

The report expresses concerns about the sheer number of reforms and new ways of working in respect of adult social care that involve and affect local authorities. To help local councils deliver the numerous social care reforms, it’s important the Government provides a multi-year funding settlement to give local authorities what they need in terms of their own sustainability and their ability to help shape sustainable local care markets.

The report also calls on the UK Government to publish a new burdens assessment by the end of the year to determine the level of resource needed by local government in terms of staff, expertise, and funding to deliver the full package of adult social care reforms.

The Scottish Government has committed to establishing a functioning National Care Service by the end of this parliamentary term in 2026:

national-care-service-statement-benefitsDownload

RBS: Business activity growth weakens to 17-month low in July

  • Output expands fractionally amid renewed drop in sales
  • Softest increase in employment since April 2021
  • Price pressures cool, but remain rapid

Business activity across the Scottish private sector increased at only a fractional pace during July, according to the latest Royal Bank of Scotland PMI® data.

The seasonally adjusted headline Royal Bank of Scotland Business Activity Index – a measure of combined manufacturing and service sector output – registered 50.2 in July, down from 54.4 in June, signalling the weakest rate of growth in the current 17-month run of expansion.

Moreover, new business at Scottish private sector firms fell for the first time since March 2021. Sector data showed that weakness generally emanated from the manufacturing sector, though service providers in the region saw rates of growth for both output and new orders weaken since June.

Private sector firms across Scotland signalled a renewed fall in new orders during July. While the rate of reduction was only mild, it marked the first contraction since March 2021. The respective seasonally adjusted index was pulled down by a sharp reduction in factory orders across the region, while a weaker upturn in sales was seen at service providers. Panellists linked the decline to reduced customer spending amid the cost of living crisis and rising economic uncertainty.

In contrast to the contraction observed in Scotland, the UK as a whole reported a modest expansion in new orders.

Business confidence strengthened marginally across Scottish private sector firms in July. Surveyed companies hoped that new customers and improvements in client spending will lead to expansions in activity in the coming 12 months. Nevertheless, the overall degree of optimism was the second-lowest in 21 months, with a number of firms concerned about the challenging economic climate, the cost-of-living crises and potential recessionary risks.

Additionally, Scottish private firms were less upbeat than the average UK business.

As has been the case since April 2021, Scottish private sector firms raised their employment levels in July. Although the rate of job creation was the slowest in 15 months, it remained stronger than the series average (50.5).

Companies that raised their workforce numbers attributed this to higher business requirements, but firms also highlighted difficulties finding staff amid labour and skill shortages and a competitive labour market.

Of the 12 monitored UK regions, Scotland reported the softest increase in staffing levels in July, while the North East of England was the only region to register job losses.

Levels of outstanding business fell across Scottish private sector firms for the second consecutive month in July. The rate of depletion was broadly unchanged from June and modest, as the quickest decline in manufacturing backlogs in over two years was largely offset by a renewed rise in unfinished business at services companies. Firms primarily stated that lower sales drove the latest reduction in outstanding orders.

Nine out of the 12 monitored UK regions, including Scotland, posted a decrease in work-in-hand, with data signalling easing pressures on capacity across the UK as a whole.

Input costs rose sharply across Scottish private sector firms during July, thereby stretching the current bout of input price inflation to 26 months. The rate of increase eased to a five-month low, but remained amongst the fastest on record. According to surveyed businesses, higher commodity prices, Brexit, and the war in Ukraine had all placed upwards pressure on costs.

The pace of cost inflation in Scotland was slightly faster than that observed across the UK as a whole.

For the twenty-first successive month, private sector firms in Scotland raised their charges for goods and services in July. While the pace of increase softened to a seven-month low, it remained sharp overall and was quicker than the historical average. Firms often mentioned raising their prices in line with higher costs of raw materials and energy.

Of the 12 monitored UK regions, only the East of England saw a softer increase in charges than Scotland.

Source: Royal Bank of Scotland, S&P Global.

Malcolm Buchanan, Chair, Scotland Board, Royal Bank of Scotland, commented: “The Scottish private sector lost growth momentum for the third month running during July.

“Activity levels were broadly unchanged as the post-pandemic rebound continued to fade and firms faced intense cost pressures and greater economic uncertainty. Manufacturing firms in the region noted sharp declines in production and new orders, while service providers reported only mild expansions in activity and sales.

“Encouragingly, employment continued to rise, extending the current period of job creation to 16 months. That said, the rate of payroll growth was the softest seen since April 2021.

“While there were signs that price pressures have peaked, costs continued to rise sharply overall. Along with signs of weakening demand, an uncertain economic outlook and the cost of living crisis, a number of firms expressed concerns around the outlook and fears of a recession in the year ahead.”

NHS Dentistry ‘at tipping point’

Over 8/10 NHS dental practices unable to offer appointments to new adult patients, in the most extensive survey of patient access ever undertaken 

The British Dental Association has pressed government to step up and deliver urgent reform, as new research from the BBC underlines the scale of the access crisis facing NHS patients across the country.  

Between May and July, BBC researchers reached out to every UK dental practice with an NHS contract to ask if they were taking on new patients. Working with the British Dental Association, the BBC identified 8,533 dental practices across the UK that were believed to hold NHS contracts and attempted to call them all.

The survey found:

  • In Scotland, 82% of NHS practices were not accepting new adult patients, 687 of 839.
  • Of those practices not taking on adults in Scotland, 39% (267) said they had an open waiting list, and 18% (124) said the wait time was a year or longer, or were unable to say how long it would be.
  • Out of 32 local authorities in Scotland, BBC researchers did not successfully reach any practices accepting new adult NHS patients in 9 (28%) local authorities.
  • In Scotland, 79% of NHS practices were not accepting new child patients, 663 of 839. Out of 32 local authorities in Scotland, BBC researchers did not successfully reach any practices accepting new child NHS patients in 7 (22%) local authorities.

Last month BDA Scotland warned the Scottish Government risked undermining the future sustainability of NHS dentistry, as they scaled down vital financial support for the service.  

From April to June practices received a 1.7 multiplier to the fees paid to provide NHS care, a reflection of the unprecedented backlog practices have faced as they try to ‘live with Covid’ and the continued suppressed activity compared with pre-pandemic levels.  This was cut down to 1.3 from July, following no discussion with the profession, leaving many dentists at risk of delivering some NHS treatments at a loss.

Official data suggests the total number of high street NHS dentists in Scotland has fallen by over 5% since the onset of Covid. The BDA has again urged the Scottish Government to, in the short term, develop a suitable interim funding package to support dentists and their teams as they work through the backlog, and begin work on a new, sustainable long-term model for NHS dentistry. 

David McColl, Chair of the British Dental Association’s Scottish Dental Practice Committee, said: “The Scottish Government promised free NHS dentistry for all, but the public are now living with the harsh reality. 

“You can’t run a health service on soundbites and slogans. Ministers need to take a long hard look at the evidence, and bring forward the reforms and resources we need to deliver for patients across Scotland.”

UK-wide 90% of NHS practices were not accepting new adult patients, 6,193 of 6,880.

Of those practices not taking on adults in the UK, 25% (1,572) said they had an open waiting list, and 17% (1,039) said the wait time was a year or longer, or were unable to say how long it would be.

Out of 217 local authorities in the UK, BBC researchers did not successfully reach any practices accepting new adult NHS patients in 77 (35%) local authorities.

80% of NHS practices were not accepting new child patients, 5,506 of 6,880. Of those practices not taking on children in the UK, 1,480 (27%) said they had an open waiting list, and 16% (902) said wait time was a year or longer, or were unable to say how long it would be. 

Out of 217 local authorities in the UK, BBC researchers did not successfully reach any practices accepting new child NHS patients in 25 (12%) local authorities.

Breakdowns by nation:

NationProportion not accepting adult patientsProportion not accepting child patients
England91%79%
Northern Ireland90%88%
Scotland82%79%
Wales93%88%