The level of qualifications achieved by adults now in their 40s, 50s and 60s was influenced by social background as much as their own intelligence, according to a long-term study from the University of Oxford.
Dr Janet Brown, chief executive of the SQA, said: "The increased number of qualifications achieved by candidates not only reflects their hard work and commitment, but also the value they place on qualifications, particularly in this difficult economic climate.
In Part A participants were asked to indicate their current position, provide the year they achieved their undergraduate medical qualification, details of any other post-graduate qualifications achieved, and indicate the level of any involvement in health research.
Where this isn't possible, it's important to emphasise qualifications achieved at university and the skills acquired through involvement in individual or group projects.
The fact that schools are rewarded based upon sixth-form numbers and pupil qualifications achieved militates against encouraging those young people for whom it is appropriate to take up opportunities for apprenticeships.
In your CV, online profiles and interviews give clear examples of any training completed or qualifications achieved within previous jobs.
Our amazing A-level and other level 3 qualifications achieved by students in our sixth form are a testament to this fact.
Educational attainment was based on the information of the highest qualification achieved.
However, as the major field of study is only surveyed with the highest qualification achieved, it cannot be controlled for multiple vocational qualifications.
The age of departure from education was available, but the highest qualification achieved was considered superior, as it accounted for further education later in life.
