Developing the Young Workforce North Highland

On Tuesday 4 August, more than 130,000 young people across Scotland will receive the results for their Nationals, Highers, Advanced Highers, and a whole series of other courses, certificates, and awards.

The cancellation of the exam diet has meant results this year will be based on estimates in the absence of candidate performance data from exams and coursework.

These estimates were submitted to SQA by schools and colleges across Scotland by 29 May, and where appropriate, have been moderated, by SQA to maintain national standards.

While it has been necessary to uphold the integrity and credibility of Scotland’s qualification system throughout this uniquely challenging period, all of SQA’s efforts have been focussed towards ensuring fairness for all learners, and that the qualifications they receive have been delivered safely, and securely following the latest public health advice.

Fiona Robertson, SQA Chief Executive and Scotland’s Chief Examining Officer, said: “With there being so much uncertainty this year, we wanted young people to have confidence in the SQA results they receive on 4 August. Learners’ Scottish Qualifications Certificates will be delivered by first class post on 4 August, and if they have signed-up for, and activated, a MySQA account, they will also receive their results by text or email from 8am that morning.”

Like any other year, this year’s results will be recognised by employers, training providers, universities, and colleges enabling young people to take the next step in their education and training.

SQA’s appeals (post-certification review) process will be available should schools and colleges want to question the grades awarded, if these are lower than the grade they estimated, and they have the required evidence.

Fiona said: “We are providing a free appeals service this year. That means schools and colleges that have questions about a candidate’s final grade can appeal the result, if it is lower than what they estimated. They need to have permission from the candidate and sufficient evidence to support the initial estimate. Following an appeal, final grades can be increased, they can be lowered, or they can remain the same.

“If learners have any questions about their results they should speak to their school, college or training provider first. If they need to talk to someone about their results certificate, our Candidate Advice Line is open from 8am on Tuesday 4 August. If they want to find more information about what career or study options are available to them, Skills Development Scotland is running its annual Results Helpline. There is also a host of information online, search for SQA Results.”

SQA’s Candidate Advice Line can be reached on 0345 279 1000, and runs from 8am – 6pm on Tuesday 4 August, and from 8.30am – 5pm Wednesday 5, Thursday 6, and Friday 7 August. More information is available at www.sqa.org.uk/results. 

The Skills Development Scotland Results Helpline can be reached on 0808 100 8000.