Exam Results Day: Need Help?

9 August 2016, 08:24

It's exam results day in Scotland, and we've got all the information you need on how to get the best advice.

More than 140,000 candidates who've taken SQA national qualification examinations, courses and awards will find out how they've done - around 50,000 will get the news by text message or email.

There's loads of information and answers to GENERAL QUESTIONS at www.sqa.org.uk.

UCAS advisors are ready to answer questions about CONFIRMATION AND CLEARING, so if you didn't get the results you were hoping for, or fell short of the conditions set for your admission to university, you can call UCAS from 8:30am-6.00pm on 0871 468 0468 or email enquiries@ucas.ac.uk.

If you're looking for COURSE AND CAREERS advice, the Skills Development Scotland (SDS) Exam Results Helpline is the best bet.

Qualified careers advisors are available today and tomorrow from 8:00am-8:00pm and on the 11th-17th of August from 9:00am-5:00pm. That number is 0808 100 8000.

They'll be able to talk you through everything from UCAS course vacancies and confirmation and clearing to advice on employment, volunteering and apprenticeships.

Education Secretary John Swinney says exam results are a "beginning rather than an end point'' and has encouraged anyone in need of advice to use the free SDS helpline.

"Receiving results can be a daunting and nerve-wracking time, and I think it is important that we recognise this and make sure all of the students who will receive results tomorrow are supported with advice and guidance to make the best possible choices going forward,'' Deputy First Minister Mr Swinney said.

"If you get the results you are looking for, then that is obviously fantastic. However, if students do not get what they need this time round, then be assured that there are a huge number of things you can consider and there is support available to help you get where you want to be."

SDS operations director Danny Logue said: "Some people might not get the results they hoped for or may have done better than they anticipated. It is vital that young people and their parents don't panic.

"The helpline is there to give support and information about all the different options young people can consider.''

National Parent Forum of Scotland chair Joanna Murphy described the helpline as a "real lifeline'' from personal experience.

She said: "One of my daughters didn't do as well as exrgpected in her fifth year and was devastated, but after talking to the careers advisers at the helpline she realised she had so many options available to her.''