A List of the Hardest Higher Subjects- They're Sure to Shock You!

What are the hardest Highers?

Most of the hardest Higher subjects have changed a lot in recent years as you’re about to find out. However, there are a couple that consistently cause students grief and make it difficult to get a C or above. 

The data in the table is taken from the SQA site and depicts the percentage of students who attained Grades A to C in specific subjects. We’ve had to capture many subjects because the last couple of years has skewed results owing to the pandemic and disruptions in exams and assessment. 🤔

The subjects below are where the number of students receiving a C or above was below 80 percent in either 2017 or 2021, or both years in some cases. The subjects are in ascending order based on the 2021 results. 

The top five hardest Highers in 2021 were:

1. Care
2. Human Biology
3. Biology
4. Environmental Science
5. Mathematics

The top five hardest Highers in 2017 were:

1. Environmental Science
2. Media
3. Health and Food Technology
4. Design and Manufacture
5. Psychology

As you can see, the only subject to make the top five in both of those years was Environmental Science. That doesn’t mean you should steer clear of this subject or any on the “hard” list if you need them to get into uni or if you’re interested in them. 

Choosing your Higher subjects is hugely personal and only you can make the decision. Still, knowing what you’re walking into can help you prepare. 

What is the easiest SQA Higher?

OK, we know you’re after the hardest Highers but here’s a little glimpse into the easiest Higher based on grade A to C attainment rates. 

In 2021, the easiest SQA Higher to get good grades in was Latin and in 2017 it was Chinese Languages. Interestingly, all of the foreign languages score very highly so prove that if you work hard at these your chances of good grades are well above average. 

How many people get straight A's at Higher?

If you’re wanting to get straight A’s, you should consider how many subjects you’ll take. The more you do, the less time you’ll have to spend on each. You should also choose subjects that will help lead to your preferred job, Advanced Highers, and/or uni degree. Many uni degrees have prerequisite subjects so you may have to take one or two subjects that you aren’t thrilled about. 🤷

Generally, students take five highers. In 2021, one percent of students received six grade A’s. This information is taken from the same SQA statistics page as above. The average number of A’s per student was 1.4, which means getting straight A’s is not an easy feat! Here’s the rest of the data on how many students received A grades:

Final thoughts: What's your hardest higher?

Remember, what is the most difficult subject for you will be the opposite to someone else and vice versa. Don’t choose subjects because your friends are doing them, you think they’ll be easy, or just to avoid the hardest Higher. The subjects that you choose now will potentially lead to your career so make them count. Plus, if you enjoy subjects, studying won’t be a chore. ✔️

If you find you need support with any of your subjects, private tutoring can always help you get back on track or get the best grades possible in your favourite subject. At GoStudent, we have online tutors specialising in every subject and level. You don’t need to face exams alone and will find studying fun with our interactive digital platform. Good luck with all your Highers, we know you’ll do great.