Today, students across Scotland will find out their National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher exam results. It’s a tense time for young people keen to move on to further study or the world of work.
This year was the first time that exams were held since the pandemic. Results will be delivered by post on Tuesday, August 9 – except for students who have signed up with MySQA to also receive their grades by text or email from 8am.
Schools also receive the results, as will any universities or colleges students have applied to through Ucas. Courses at National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher are graded between A and D, with anyone who scores less than 40% receiving a ‘no award’ result.
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For students who fail a course, it is possible to repeat it next year. Others might want to appeal their result, if their grade is much worse than expected.
How do I appeal against my exam result?
SQA, the exams body, says that if the grade you have been awarded is lower than your estimate, you will be able to appeal your results by contacting them directly or by going through your school, college or training provider.
Your school, college or training provider will discuss your appeal with you before sending the SQA evidence to support your estimated grade. But the decision to appeal your grade is yours.
You should discuss this with your school as soon as possible after getting your results. Your appeal can be prioritised if you have a conditional place at university or college, or in training or employment that depends on your grade.
The appeals service is free and the SQA has more information on its website.
What happens when I appeal?
The SQA says that if your appeal request is accepted, it will carry out a clerical check of your exam script and assignments. SQA appointees – practising teachers and lecturers – will also review the assessment evidence that your school, college or training provider sends to it to decide your final grade. The final grade might be different to the estimate that your school, college or training provider sends the SQA. In this case, you will be awarded the higher of the two grades based on the two sources of evidence.
What if I feel I can’t cope?
At this stressful time, it is important to look after your mental health and wellbeing. Talking to a friend, family member, teacher or lecturer about how you're feeling can be a good first step.
You can find wellbeing advice on the Young Scot and YoungMinds websites.
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