Teachers could become overwhelmed if they are having to deal with a large number of grading appeals at the same time as preparing for the reopening of schools, MSPs have warned.

They are calling for the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) to share details of its preparations for a higher volume of appeals this year, and are warning that delays in finalising grades could prevent students from securing university and college places.

The Scottish Parliament’s Education and Skills Committee, in a letter to the SQA, also questions how schools will be able to appeal on behalf of students whose estimated grades “relied more on the understanding of the pupil than tangible evidence”.

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The SQA has said, in its latest advice on the appeals process this year, that “assessment evidence must be available to support the estimated grade”, yet teachers were told to base their estimates on “demonstrated and inferred attainment”.

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The committee is calling for “clarity now on the approach to be taken to assessment” in the coming school year and for the “equality impact assessment” of the grading system this year to be “published as soon as is practicable”.

The MSPs write: “The committee is concerned that on or soon after 4 August [when results are due to be published] there may be a large number of appeals, should students, parents and teachers seek to challenge particular grades where they are lower than the anticipated grade.

“This would cause a capacity issue for secondary school teachers, who would also be undertaking intensive preparations for the reopening of schools on a phased basis the following week. In addition, this would generate a notable amount of work for the SQA, causing the appeals process to take longer than usual. This, in turn, could lead to a delay in finalising grades of young people reliant on these grades to confirm places on university and college courses.

“The committee would appreciate details of planning the SQA is undertaking in anticipation of the post-results service generating a greater level of work this year for both your organisation and schools and colleges.”

On next year’s exams, the committee says: “Finally, committee members raised with the EIS [teaching union] and SLS [School Leaders Scotland] the plans for assessment for the 20-21 academic year...The responses from the SLS and EIS reflect their view that there needs to be clarity now on the approach to be taken to assessment.

“The committee supports this position and seeks insight from the SQA as to when the approach for the 2020-21 academic year will be announced. The committee also requests details of how the SQA plans to consult, including with young people, on the detail of the plans for assessment in 2020-21.”