Scottish exams: When is SQA results day, how will exam results be sent out and when can pupils appeal?

All your questions answered ahead of Scotland’s exam results day

It’s that nerve-jangling time of year again as thousands of pupils and students – and their parents and carers – anxiously await exam results.

For better or worse, receiving these grades can feel like a big moment for younger generations as they plot the next steps in their lives.

The Covid-19 pandemic caused widespread disruption for learners in recent years, but the process is now getting back to normal for most.

Teenage Students In Uniform Sitting Examination In School Hall

Ahead of the big day, The Scotsman has taken a look at some of the key questions learners might be asking themselves as they wait for the verdict of their examiners.

When will school pupils and other learners get their SQA exam results?

Results day is Tuesday, August 8.

On this date, thousands of young people across Scotland will receive the results for their Nationals, Highers, Advanced Highers, National Progression Awards, Skills for Work Awards, National Certificates and Awards.

The results can enable young people to take their next steps, either by continuing at school, moving on to college or university, or starting a job or training.

What happens on the day?

Everyone will have their results certificate delivered to their home address by first class post on Tuesday, August 8.

Those who have signed-up for and activated their MySQA account will also receive their results by text and/or email from 8am the same morning.

If pupils and students do not receive their certificate with their post, they can contact their school, college, or training provider, who can provide results and work with the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) to find out what has happened to the certificate.

Additionally, SQA will open its helpline at 8am to answer learners’ questions about their certificates.

Young people can also call Skills Development Scotland to speak to dedicated careers advisors about the options that are available to them.

Is the Covid-19 pandemic still having an impact on arrangements?

The SQA said it worked with partners to design a package of support for learners, which included modifications to course assessments, an exam exceptional circumstances service, a sensitive approach to grading and a direct appeals service.

It said these measures help to ensure fairness for learners, while maintaining standards and the credibility of qualifications over time.

The SQA said: “Learners, and their families and carers, can be confident that the qualifications they receive are credible and fair, and that they reflect the knowledge, understanding and skills they have acquired and demonstrated through their hard work in challenging circumstances.

"Colleges, universities, and employers can also be confident that standards and integrity have been maintained in 2023.”

What if you do not get the results you hoped for?

If learners have a concern about a grade for a National 5, Higher or Advanced Higher course, they can appeal for free.

They can appeal either via their school or college or by using SQA’s learner direct service.

While the final decision is the candidate’s, SQA encourages anyone considering submitting an appeal to discuss their decision with their teacher, lecturer, or other member of staff first.

Priority appeals are available for learners who have a conditional offer for a college or university place or for a training or employment offer.

They must be submitted to SQA by Tuesday, August 15. All other appeals must be made by Tuesday, August 29.

Further information can be found at www.sqa.org.uk/appeals

A copy of an SQA Appeals 2023 booklet is being delivered to the homes of all learners taking National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses.

Who should I call for advice?

SQA’s candidate advice line will be available on results day from 8am to 6pm, then Wednesday, August 9 to Friday, August 11, from 8:30am to 5pm. The line can be reached on 0345 279 1000.

Skills Development Scotland can be contacted on 0808 100 8000 and will be open from 8am to 8pm on Tuesday, August 8 and Wednesday, August 9. It will be open 9am to 5pm from Thursday, August 10, and Friday, August 11.

More information is available online at www.sqa.org.uk/results.