The Scottish Greens have written to the Education Secretary, calling for an overhaul of the “antiquated” exam system, as almost 150,000 pupils received their results.

The party has asked Mairi McAllan to implement recommendations from an expert review by Professor Louise Hayward in 2023, which suggested a reduction in the number of exams, shifting more focus towards coursework and continuous assessment. It also recommended abolishing exams for S4 pupils.

The changes were rejected by the previous education secretary, Jenny Gilruth, but the Greens have offered support to push through the recommendations.

Green education spokesperson Laura Moodie said: “Results day also gives us an opportunity to reflect on our system of qualifications and assessment in Scotland, not least the high-stakes nature of an antiquated end-of-term exam system.

“Whilst today is a day for celebrating success, there will also be young people today who are disappointed with an education system which punishes students suffering from extenuating circumstances around the time of their exams.

“I believe that there is a need to rebalance our education system with continuous assessment, which is a more accurate reflection of a young person’s knowledge and abilities.

“The proposals and recommendations contained in the Independent Review of Qualifications and Assessment (IRQA) chaired by Professor Louise Hayward set out the ideal opportunity to do that.

“The recommendations and conclusions drawn by Prof Hayward are bold but are also exactly the sort of changes we need to see to match a 21st century curriculum with a 21st century qualifications system to match it.”

She added: “Should the Scottish Government decide to be bold in this regard and accept the recommendations of the IRQA review in full, you will have the support of the Scottish Greens in doing so, as well as teachers’ unions, the Children and Young People’s Commissioner, many parents and young people across Scotland.

“I would urge you to do so and build a system of qualifications and assessment fit for the 21st century and I would be happy to meet with you to discuss our shared priorities and outcomes in this space.”

The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.