SQA outlines support to young people across Scotland ahead of Results Day

Tuesday 01 August 2023

On Tuesday 8 August, 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.

These results will allow young people to take the next step on their learning journey; either continuing at school, moving on to college or university, or entering employment or a workplace-based training programme.

All learners will have their results certificate delivered to their home address by first class post on Tuesday 8 August. Those who have signed-up for and activated their MySQA account will also receive their results by text and/or email the same morning.

If learners do not receive their certificate with their post, they can contact their school, college or training provider, who can provide results and work with SQA to find out what has happened to the certificate.

On Results Day, 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.

This year, we recognised the continuing impact of the pandemic on teaching and learning whilst recovery is continuing. SQA, together with partners across the education community, again designed 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. These measures help to ensure fairness for learners, while maintaining standards and the credibility of qualifications over time.

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.

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 would encourage 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. Priority appeals must be submitted to SQA by Tuesday 15 August. All other appeals must be submitted by Tuesday 29 August. Further information can be found at www.sqa.org.uk/appeals and a copy of SQA’s Appeals 2023 - what you need to know booklet has been delivered to the homes of all learners taking National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses.

Annette McKenna, Senior Operations Manager at SQA, said: “I want to thank candidates across Scotland for their hard work and dedication in preparing for and sitting their exams and assessments. Learners can have confidence in their grades and be proud of what they have accomplished.

“I also want to thank all the teaching and support staff who have gone to exceptional lengths to support learners and help them achieve their results. It is thanks to them that candidates are able to reach their full potential.

“I encourage anyone who has any queries or needs advice come Results Day, to call the helplines where dedicated members of staff will be happy to help and guide you. Remember, whether your achievements are what you expect, or not, there are many different routes available to shape your future success.”

SQA’s Candidate Advice Line will be available on Results Day from 8am to 6pm, then Wednesday 9 August to Friday 11 August 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 8 August and Wednesday 9 August. It will be open 9am to 5pm on Thursday 10 August and Friday 11 August.

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