Support and information for young people ahead of SQA Results Day

Wednesday 30 July 2025

Support and guidance are available to the tens of thousands of young people across Scotland awaiting the results of their SQA qualifications next week.

Over 147,000 learners across Scotland will receive the result(s) of their SQA Nationals, Highers, Advanced Highers, and Skills for Work Awards on Tuesday 5 August. Learners completing National Progression Awards, National Certificates, and Awards are also certified on Tuesday 5 August and throughout the year.

All learners will receive a copy of their Scottish Qualifications Certificate delivered to their home address by first-class post, while everyone who signed up for and activated a 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.

Guidance and next steps

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.

Many of those receiving certification have completed vocational courses, qualifications, and apprenticeships in schools, colleges and other training centres, including Skills for Work Awards, National Progression Awards, and National Certificates, in areas ranging from Barista Skills and Beekeeping to Esports and Construction.

Stuart McKenna, Chief Executive of the Scottish Training Federation - which represents over 140 organisations operating in the field of work-based training across Scotland - explains the importance of vocational training and qualifications within schools, and the routes that can open-up to young people as a result:

“Vocational qualifications, awards, and apprenticeships offer young people an invaluable opportunity by combining education with practical experience. These pathways open the door to further learning, career development, and employment by helping young people gain real-world skills that employers actively seek. 

“With a strong emphasis on hands-on, experiential learning, these courses help young people understand the world of work, explore different industries, and build the confidence and skills they need to succeed in their future careers.”

Appeals service

SQA’s free appeals service opens at 9am on Tuesday 5 August and candidates can submit an appeal directly via the SQA website, or ask their school, college, or training provider to submit one on their behalf. A senior marker will carry out a marking review of SQA-marked assessments, and a grade may go up, down, or stay the same. Learners are advised to speak to their teacher or lecturer before submitting an appeal.

Priority appeals are available for learners who have a conditional offer for a college or university place or for a training or employment offer. These must be submitted to SQA by Tuesday 12 August or by Thursday 21 August if the learner’s school, college or training provider submits the appeal for them. All other appeals must be submitted by Tuesday 26 August or by Friday 29 August if the learner’s school, college or training provider submits the appeal for them.

Annette McKenna, Senior Operations Manager at SQA explains: “If you’re concerned about your results for National 5, Higher, or Advanced Higher, you can appeal your grade for free, but I’d encourage anyone considering this to chat with their teacher or lecturer first - they can help you think through your options and what’s best for you.

“Learners can be confident that the qualifications they’ve earned are fair and credible, reflecting the knowledge, understanding, and skills they’ve developed through their hard work. Similarly, colleges, universities, and employers can trust that the high standards and integrity of our qualifications have been upheld.”

SQA’s Candidate Advice Line will be available on Results Day from 8am to 6pm, then Wednesday 6 August to Friday 8 August from 8:30am to 5pm. The line can be reached on 0345 279 1000.

Skills Development Scotland’s expert advisers will also be on hand to offer guidance on course vacancies at colleges and universities, Confirmation and Clearing, Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprenticeships, jobs, volunteering, or staying on at school. Their helpline can be reached at 0808 100 8000 and will be open from 8am to 8pm on Tuesday 5 August and Wednesday 6 August. It will be open 9am to 5pm on Thursday 7 August and Friday 8 August.

Annette McKenna added: “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.”

More information is available on the Results Day pages of the SQA website.