Celebrating the achievements of care experienced young people

Tuesday 8 August 2023

Care experienced young people are among the thousands of candidates across Scotland who have today received their results from SQA.

Care experienced young people are those who are currently, or have previously been in any form of care, including foster care, residential care, and kinship care. 

SQA is a proud corporate parent, and has marked the achievements of these young people through a collaborative congratulatory video with SQA staff, the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, and messages from charities Who Cares? Scotland and MCR Pathways.

In her video message to care experienced candidates, SQA Chief Executive, and Scotland’s Chief Examining Officer, Fiona Robertson, said: 'At SQA we are proud to be corporate parents, and we’re dedicated to supporting and celebrating your progress. On behalf of everyone at SQA, I wish you a warm congratulations and best wishes.

‘Whatever the outcome today, I hope you can celebrate your achievements and can take a moment to reflect on your success. There are many different routes to success and lots of support available to get you there.’

Jenny Gilruth MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, said: ‘Congratulations to all care experienced students who are receiving their results today. I know you’ve worked really hard, and I hope today brings you the rewards that you deserve.

‘I know it’s been another tough year as we adjust to getting back to normal after the pandemic, but you’ve faced this with real determination and resilience, and you should be proud of what you’ve achieved. Results Day is an opportunity to celebrate your achievements, and I want to wish you the very best of luck as you plan for your next steps.’

As a proud corporate parent, SQA works closely with charities Who Cares? Scotland and MCR Pathways to help care-experienced young people enjoy the positive futures they deserve.

Chloe Dobson, Education and Engagement Manager at Who Cares? Scotland said: ‘Everyone at Who Cares? Scotland wants to say a huge well done and congratulations on the completion of your studies over the past year. I hope you take a moment to think about everything you have done to get to where you are today and are incredibly proud of yourself.

‘We recognise that it can be a scary time coming to the end of your studies and considering what your next steps are, but please know that Who Cares? Scotland is here if you want to chat any of this through. There are so many options, like progressing onto employment, training opportunities or continuing to study at college or university. You don’t have to make these decisions on your own. So please do utilise the many supports that exist.”

Fay Gingell, CEO at MCR Pathways, added: ‘All of us at MCR Pathways want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to each and every young person on their accomplishments this year. We are truly amazed by the extraordinary level of motivation, commitment, and resilience you have demonstrated.

‘Your mentors, Pathways Coordinators, and MCR community are incredibly proud of your achievements. As you embark on the next phase of your journey, we wholeheartedly wish you the best of luck. Remember, no matter what lies ahead, you have the potential to achieve incredible things!’

If you would like to talk though your results with anyone from Who Cares? Scotland, you can call them on 0330 107 7540, email help@whocaresscotland.org, or find more information on the Who Cares? Scotland website.

If you would like to contact MCR Pathways, you can call them on 0141 221 0200, email info@mcrpathways.org, or find more information on the MCR Pathway website.

Find out more about SQA’s corporate parenting commitment.