National exam helpline goes live today

In anticipation of exam results being announced by SQA in Scotland tomorrow, a free national helpline offering advice, information and support for young people and their parents has gone live.

Skills Development Scotland (SDS) has a free helpline which will be open from 8am until 8pm on 8 and 9 August and from 9am until 5pm from 10 to 16 August. The number to call is 0808 100 8000.

Visiting the Skills Development Scotland Contact centre in Glasgow today, the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education, John Swinney met with the qualified careers advisers who will handle calls from students and their parents.

Mr Swinney said: “Receiving your results can be exciting, scary and worrying all at the same time, and I think it’s important that we recognise this and make sure our young people have the right support available to them, to make the best decisions about their future.

“Moving on from school is an important and exciting step for young people. It’s vital that they know what their real options are and how to access them.

“This free helpline is an excellent service which is staffed by fully qualified and experienced careers advisers who will be able to help young people and their parents answer any questions about the choices going forward.

“If you get the results you are looking for, then that is fantastic. If you do better than expected or don’t get the grades you need this time round, then be certain that there are a huge number of options for you to consider and that there are a number of people available to support you.

“Whatever happens when the results come in tomorrow, remember that it will be a beginning, rather than an end point and if you are not sure or are looking for some advice then please do use this free helpline.

“I would like to wish all students the very best of luck for results day!”

Skills Development Scotland acting Director of Operations James Russell said:

“Our message for those young people and their parents and carers as the results arrive is not to panic. Everything might seem overwhelming at that point. Our experienced advisers are there to help and have information on all the options and opportunities young people can consider.”

National Parent Forum of Scotland Chair Joanna Murphy said:

“I know from my own experiences that the SDS Exam Results Helpline is a real life line. It offers young people and their parents and carers the chance to talk to someone who is impartial, which helps you to step back and take stock.

“Whether you’ve had unexpected results, or just want to talk over your choices, the advisers can talk you through the wide range of options available to you. A calm conversation takes some of the heat out of the emotion of the day, and reminds young people no matter the results, there is always a next step.”