Thousands of pupils across Scotland receive SQA exam results as pass rates increase
The percentage of High A-C passes is back above 75%
Thousands of pupils across Scotland have received their SQA exam results.
Some 147,000 teenagers received grades for their Nationals, Highers, and Advanced Highers, bringing months of anticipation to an end.
The pass rates across all three levels are up on last year, and the percentage of A to C passes at Higher is back above 75% - after dipping below last year.
Candidates will also see Skills for Work Awards, National Progression Awards and National Certificates delivered.
"An important opportunity to celebrate"
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “Results Day is an important opportunity to celebrate achievement and success which is clear through a wider range of pathways for learners than ever before.
“There are many options available for young people, no matter the results they achieve, and the Helpline offers invaluable advice on a whole host of issues – from college and university places, to UCAS Confirmation and Clearing, apprenticeships, jobs and volunteering.
“I appreciate the immense hard work and dedication which Scotland’s young people have applied throughout the year and I also know how well supported they have been by our teachers, by lecturers, and by parents and carers.”
A Skills Development Scotland helpline has been set up for anyone who is unsure of their next steps after results day.
"We're there to help navigate whatever the result is"
Careers advisor Abby Wilson will be answering calls on the line throughout Tuesday, she says there are many routes for young people to take after school.
She told Northsound 1: “You might have an idea of what you want to do, but you don’t really realise there’s other ways to get into that.
“There might be other courses that you’ve not considered.
“There’s things like apprenticeships – so graduate apprenticeships, modern apprenticeships, and foundation apprenticeships that you might not have considered, or just might not know about.”
"There might be other courses you've not considered"
She also had some advice for parents: “Make sure you’re reassuring and supportive, regardless of whatever the outcome may be, I think that’s the most important thing, and juts remember there is lots of support, we’re there to help navigate whatever the result is.”
Some parts of Scotland are seeing a small amount of disruption to the delivery of results certificates, after Storm Floris disrupted the Royal Mail on Monday.
However, results will also be released to all activated MySQA accounts from 8am onwards on Tuesday 5 August.