Letter: Clear advantage

Contrary to education secretary Mike Russell's mealy-mouthed comments (your report, 5 August), someone who had lower than hoped for grades and found that out early had an advantage over those who found that out later, as the former could better prepare for the clearing system going live.

I understand that the clearing system went live on the morning that the main batch of results was published, possibly as early as 9am.

Surely this is a disadvantage for pupils who don't get their post first thing in the morning (ie most of them). The Scottish Qualifications Authority should ensure that clearing does not go live until two days after the publication of results, not one, to give everyone a decent chance to think through their options.

David J Mackay

Camus Avenue

Edinburgh