Higher Biology
From session 2026/27, Higher Biology has one 100-mark exam paper of 2 hours 30 minutes. The assignment is scaled to 25 marks. The 2027 exam is on Wednesday 12 May, 9am to 11:30am.
- Question paper09:00 to 11:30
What grade is my mark?
Type a total mark to see the grade it would have got.
How the A and C boundaries have moved
Boundaries as a share of the total marks. A lower line means the papers were judged harder that year. Qualifications Scotland publishes boundaries from 2022 in this format.
| Year | Out of | A | B | C | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 150 | 105 | 89 | 74 | 58 |
| 2025 | 150 | 107 | 91 | 75 | 59 |
| 2024 | 150 | 102 | 85 | 68 | 51 |
| 2023 | 120 | 83 | 68 | 54 | 39 |
| 2022 | 120 | 82 | 67 | 52 | 37 |
What changed for 2026/27
Higher Biology used to have two question papers. From session 2026/27 they are replaced by one paper worth 100 marks. It lasts 2 hours 30 minutes.
Section 1 has 20 multiple-choice questions, answered on a grid. Section 2 is worth 80 marks and mixes short answers, data questions and extended responses. Some extended questions offer a choice of two topics.
The assignment is still marked out of 20. It is now scaled to 25 marks instead of 30. That makes the course 125 marks in total, with the exam worth 80%.
In 2027 the exam is on Wednesday 12 May, from 9am to 11:30am.
What the course covers
There are three areas. DNA and the genome covers DNA structure, replication, gene expression, mutations, evolution and genomic sequencing. Metabolism and survival covers metabolic pathways, respiration, metabolic rate and how organisms cope with adverse conditions. Sustainability and interdependence covers food supply, breeding, crop protection, animal welfare, symbiosis, social behaviour and biodiversity.
The assignment
You research a topic, usually including an experiment, then write a report. The whole task should take no more than 8 hours. The report itself is written in a supervised session of up to 2 hours.
The 2025 course report said most candidates stated a clear aim and drew a correct graph. Few analysed their results with a valid comparison or calculation. That analysis mark is worth chasing.
What examiners flagged
The same report listed questions that many candidates found hard:
- counting tRNA molecules from base sequence information
- naming the molecules needed for glycolysis
- explaining why enzyme reaction rate levels off as substrate concentration rises
Teachers were also asked to make sure learners understand alternative RNA splicing. Candidates should practise questions on improving the validity of an investigation.
Using older past papers
Papers from before 2027 still use the old two-paper format. The content is largely the same, so the questions remain good practice.
Do the old multiple-choice and written papers back to back. Give yourself 2 hours 30 minutes to mirror the new single sitting. Mark them with the marking instructions, which show the exact wording markers accept.
A specimen paper in the new format was published in August 2026. Use it as your first full mock.
Revision checklist
Tick topics as you revise. Ticks are saved on this device only.
- Sit the August 2026 specimen paper in one 2 hour 30 minute block
- Combine old Paper 1 and Paper 2 into single timed practice sessions
- Write out the stages of DNA replication and gene expression from memory
- Learn the reactants and products of each stage of respiration, including glycolysis
- Practise explaining enzyme rate graphs in terms of active sites and substrate concentration
- Revise alternative RNA splicing with a labelled diagram
- Practise extended-response questions on evolution and speciation
- Answer past questions on improving validity and reliability of experiments
- In the assignment, include a valid comparison or calculation in your analysis
- Check your assignment conclusion links back to your aim
Quick answers
- How many papers are in Higher Biology from 2027?
One. From session 2026/27 the two old papers are replaced by a single 100-mark paper lasting 2 hours 30 minutes. Section 1 is multiple choice and section 2 is written answers.
- How much is the Higher Biology assignment worth?
It is marked out of 20 and scaled to 25 marks. That is 20% of the 125-mark course total.
- When is the Higher Biology exam in 2027?
Wednesday 12 May 2027, from 9am to 11:30am.
- Can I still use old Higher Biology past papers?
Yes. Older papers use two papers instead of one, but they test the same course content. Sit them back to back to practise the new 2 hour 30 minute length.