A new record pass rate for Highers, at 74.6 per cent, has been achieved by Scottish students this year whilst the strong record of achievement in Standard Grades has been maintained.
More than 160,000 young people who sat Standard Grades, Highers and other qualifications this school year will receive their exam results by post on August 5th. Around 35,000 students also signed up for the MySQA service and received their results via text message or e-mail the day before.
Everyone receiving results can access immediate support from the National Exam Results Helpline, run by Skills Development Scotland, which offers free advice on university and college places as well as employment and training opportunities. Additionally, SDS will provide ongoing support for those young people without a clear progression pathway for as long as is needed.
The Scottish Government has already provided record levels of funding for universities, made additional college places available for the forthcoming year and announced thousands of training and work opportunities as part of a £6.5 million package of support called Step Forward Scotland, for the increased number of young people expected to leave school or college this summer.
Speaking ahead of a visit to the SDS helpline contact centre, Education Secretary Michael Russell said:-“I’d like to convey my congratulations to students, teachers and parents for their success and high levels of attainment, which confirms the strengths of the Scottish education system.
“The arrival of exam results is an exciting but often daunting time in any young person’s life. The national exam helpline ensures every student has the right support regardless of their results.
“We know from the national headline figures that yet again Scottish students are achieving excellent results with the record Higher pass rate particularly standing out. However, many young people can be disappointed or nervous, either by not getting the results they were hoping for or not being sure of what the next steps are.
“The National Exam Helpline will be open until August 28 and has 80 advisers on hand to help. Advice and information on a whole range of options, including the thousands of extra opportunities Education Secretary Michael Russell visits the Skills Development Scotland exam results helpline. He is pictured with call adviser Lyndsay Plews.available through our Step Forward Scotland campaign for summer leavers, will be available to callers.
“Congratulations again to students and thanks to parents, teachers and examiners. I wish the very best of luck to students, whatever they go on to do next.”
Skills Development Scotland (SDS) Chief Executive Damien Yeates said:-“SDS is committed to providing the tools young people need to maximise their strengths. Making the right choices after their results arrive can be critical to achieving this. Our exam results helpline provides vital, expert advice at what can be an anxious time for young people and their parents.
“It may be that individuals have done better than expected or perhaps not got the grades they had anticipated. SDS will be working to ensure that every Scottish youngster is signposted towards a positive destination, whatever results they get. The helpline is there so they can discuss options available to them and can also provide parents with an understanding of the education system and give them an insight into how they can help their young people cope during what can be a stressful time.”
