Private schools in Scotland are more successful than state schools in challenging students’ exam grades, according to figures released by the Scottish Qualifications Authority, Tes has reported.

Independent schools achieved an upgrade in 12.8% of their appeals, while for state schools’ the figure was 9.8%.

Independent schools made 2,700 appeals and the state sector launched 36,590.

The Scottish Qualifications Authority’s chief executive Fiona Robertson said the appeals service this year had given pupils across Scotland a safety net so they could appeal an unexpected result, directly at no cost.