Learners across Scotland will receive their national qualification results today (Tuesday 6 August 2024) as the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) celebrated their ‘achievement and hard work’.
Around 145,000 learners – from all corners of the country – will receive the traditional envelope through the letterbox containing their results and qualifications certificate.
Fiona Robertson, Chief Executive of SQA and Scotland’s Chief Examining Officer, said: “Our warmest congratulations to the 145,000 learners across Scotland whose achievements are being celebrated today. They can be rightly proud of their positive performance.”
As well as National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher results, thousands of learners will also be celebrating a record-breaking year for vocational-based qualifications. The total of National Progression Awards, National Certificates, Skills for Work, and SQA Awards rose by 24.8% to 90,035.
This year saw the return of full course assessment in National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses, following consultation with learners, teachers and lecturers and their representative groups, parents, carers, education partners and the Scottish Government. Coursework and exams for some practical subjects were removed temporarily during the pandemic.
Full course assessment helps ensure that learners are equipped with the knowledge and full range of skills needed to support their successful next steps in education, training, or employment.
Fiona Robertson added: “All learners can be confident that the qualifications they have earned – by demonstrating their knowledge, understanding and skills across full course assessment – provide a solid foundation for the next stage in their learning, training, or employment. We wish them all continued success.
“While there is some variability in the national attainment picture in 2024, this is a solid set of results for learners in National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses. 2024 also marks a record-breaking year for vocational qualifications, as Scotland’s learners excelled in achieving valuable skills to build rewarding careers.
“And all of this has been achieved by a group of learners who experienced significant disruption to teaching and learning during the pandemic.
“Scotland’s learners should be rightly proud of their achievements, supported by Scotland’s dedicated and hard-working teachers, lecturers, our schools and colleges, and the wider education community.”
Exams results day: Commissioner says be proud and good luck for your next chapter
Children and Young People’s Commissioner Nicola Killean has wished the best of luck to young people on their exam results today, recognising it can be a nerve-wracking day.
Commissioner Nicola has congratulated those who are pleased with their Nat 5, Higher, or Advanced Higher results, and she has reminded those who may feel disappointed or worried that lots of opportunities still lie ahead.
Commissioner Nicola said: “Today is a big day in your lives, and it can feel daunting. I hope you have received the results you were hoping to get. If you have, congratulations – I wish you well for the next chapter in your lives, whatever that will be.
“But I know this might not be a happy day for everyone.
“I’ve spoken to lots of young people about education this year, and the subject of exams and pressure comes up regularly. They told me that exams don’t suit everyone and don’t always accurately reflect how intelligent someone is.
“I know some of you may be disappointed or worried about your results and I want to reassure you that today does not define you. If you didn’t get what you were expecting or wanted to get, there are lots of people and organisations who can help advise and support you on your next steps.
“The right to education isn’t all about academic results. Your education should develop your personality, talents, and abilities, and sometimes these can’t be measured by academic grades. Remember all the other contributions, achievements and unique special talents that make you the person you are.
“Whatever today brings, please be proud of yourself and know that there is more than one way to measure success.”
For help with exam results, Young Scot shares information on organisations that can support you and information on appeals.
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