Making sure children get the support they need in school

Consistent additional support for learning

Children with additional support needs will be supported wherever they are in Scotland through a new National Staged Intervention Model for additional support for learning that is being developed.

Education Secretary Màiri McAllan made the commitment as she set out plans to provide a nationwide approach to identifying, planning, delivering and reviewing support for children and young people who experience barriers to learning in all council areas – to ensure they receive the right support at the right time.

The newly-published route map sets out the next steps to introducing a model that will set out more clearly how support is delivered to meet the needs of children and young people in different areas.

It is being developed in partnership with local government in response to recommendations from the McManus Review of additional support for learning, and will be rolled out in phases with full implementation across all of Scotland’s 32 council areas planned for August 2028.

Ms McAllan said: “Every child deserves the best possible support that is right for their needs, regardless of where they live in Scotland so they can realise their full potential.

“A National Staged Intervention approach will help ensure that how support needs are identified, responded to and reviewed is consistent, no matter where a child or young person goes to school.

“Through this Model children and young people will receive support that is right for them, and families will have greater understanding of the support available to their child. For teachers, it means clearer national guidance being developed alongside updated training, aligned with the Model to help them support pupils with additional needs.

“We will develop the Model jointly with councils, teachers and school staff, and with children and their families, to ensure the National Staged Intervention Model delivers the support children and young people need across Scotland.”

Councillor Tony Buchanan, COSLA Spokesperson for Children and Young People said: “COSLA is committed to working collectively with Scottish Government to improve the outcomes for all children and young people.

“We recognise the need in particular to support children with additional support needs and are focused on building upon the strong practice that already exists and recognise that developing a national model offers opportunity to further enhance the consistency of approach our children and young people.

“Together with our professional associations and colleagues in Scottish Government, we look forward to enhancing what is working well and helping embed continuous improvement across the support framework that is available to children and families in all parts of Scotland.”

Sheena Devlin, General Secretary at the Association of Directors of Education Scotland (ADES) said: “ADES welcomes the direction of travel set out today. Scotland already has much strong practice in supporting children and young people with additional needs, and a national model offers the opportunity to build greater consistency of approach to recording and planning for our children and young people.

“We look forward to working with the Scottish Government and partners to shape the detail, ensuring the Model strengthens what is working well while improving the support framework available to children, young people and families wherever they live.”

New Head at St George’s School

St George’s School, Edinburgh has appointed Niamh Green, who currently leads the prestigious girls’ school Roedean in the south of England, as its next Head. Niamh Green takes up the role at the leading independent school for girls in Edinburgh next year and brings more than 20 years’ experience in girls’ day and boarding education.

Green will succeed Carol Chandler-Thompson, who has led St George’s since August 2022 and leaves next year to take up a Director of Education role with a global schools group. Chandler-Thompson will remain connected to the school as a Member of Council.

Tracey Ashworth-Davies, Chair of Council at St George’s, said: “On behalf of the Council, I am delighted to confirm the appointment of Niamh Green as St George’s next Head, following a rigorous search with the support of Saxton Bampfylde.

Niamh’s breadth of experience, across teaching, boarding, pastoral leadership and headship, combined with her strong commitment and expertise in the education of girls, made her the outstanding choice to lead St George’s forward. I could not be more confident in her ability to build on the legacy and historical foundations of the school.”

Ms Green joined Roedean as Head in 2023 and this year the school achieved its best A-level and GSCE results in the last ten years.

Previously, she was Acting Head at Mayfield School, Deputy Head (Pastoral) at Godolphin School and a Housemistress at Sherborne Girls. Prior to that, she was Head of Upper School at Woldingham School and a teacher at the International School Luxembourg. She is a serving Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspector, sits on committees at both the Heads’ Conference (HMC) and the Girls’ Schools Association (GSA), and is a Governor at Marymount School in London.

She holds an MBA in Educational Leadership from UCL, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the University of Cambridge, a Certificate in Boarding Education from the University of Roehampton, and an MA in International Relations.

Niamh Green said: “Stepping into the role of Head at St George’s is a real honour. From my first visit, I was impressed by the whole community – exceptional pupils, staff dedicated to the girls, and governors of real calibre.  

“The girls I met were articulate, energetic, and compassionate young women, with clear ambition and pride in their school.  I am very much looking forward to championing this remarkable school and breadth of opportunities it offers all pupils from age two to 18.”

Ms Chandler-Thompson’s tenure saw the completion of the ‘One School’ project, bringing pupils and facilities together on the Ravelston campus and setting the direction for the school’s estate and development plans.

She reinvigorated the school’s Signature Curriculum, which is explicitly designed for girls, and boasts high achievement in traditionally male-dominated STEM subjects while bucking the trend in girls’ sports with 100% participation levels throughout the school.

Academic results in 2026 were the school’s strongest since the pandemic, with first-choice university outcomes holding above 95% throughout her tenure and 100% A grades in Higher and Advanced Higher music and languages. She also grew the school’s partnerships programme and widened community access to its facilities.

Tracey Ashworth-Davies said: “I want to thank Carol Chandler-Thompson, whose leadership has been exceptional. Throughout her tenure, Carol has amplified how relevant the School’s founding principles and values remain today, as we prepare young women to keep pace in a fast-changing world. 

“She leaves St George’s in excellent health, and we wish her all the best in her new role.

“We are delighted she will continue to support the school as a Member of Council.”

Local MSP calls for urgent action to tackle youth knife crime in schools

ALMOST FIFTY KNIFE INCIDENTS IN EDINBURGH SCHOOLS IN FIVE YEARS

Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for Edinburgh Northern Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP has today urged the SNP government to step up efforts to tackle youth knife crime as she revealed that there have been almost 50 such crimes in Edinburgh schools since 2021.

New figures uncovered by the party show that since 2021 there have been:

  • 37 crimes of possession of an article with a blade or point in Edinburgh schools.  
  • 10 crimes of these articles being used in some other kind of criminal activity in Edinburgh schools.

Scottish Liberal Democrats previously revealed that the police have recorded almost 700 crimes of possessing an article with a blade or point in schools across Scotland over the last five years.

Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP said: “Each one of these crimes will have been hugely distressing for the staff and pupils involved.

“These figures do not sit in isolation, and we need to understand the part played by events like the pandemic, which had a severe and longer-lasting impact on young people.

“That impact hasn’t been helped by the Scottish Government’s failure to recognise the importance of interventions like youth work.

“Youth work can stop this kind of violence from happening in the first place by offering young people valuable support and guidance, often from someone who is neither a parent nor a teacher.

“Scottish Liberal Democrats will fight for a proper investment in youth work so that we can give young people the choices and the futures they deserve.”

Consultation: Primary School and Nursery on Granton Waterfront

THURSDAY 8th OCTOBER 5.15pm – 8.30pm at GRANTON STATION

PUBLIC CONSULTATION ONLINE from WEDNESDAY 26th AUGUST

Come and talk to us about our proposals to build a new Primary School and Nursery at Granton Waterfront.

The new proposed building will be able to accommodate a Nursery for 128 pupils between the ages of two and five, and a new two stream (15 classes) primary school with the potential for an Enhanced Support Base (ESB) with four additional classes. The facility will have the ability to expand to up to a three stream (22 classes) primary school in future.

You’ll be able to view the proposals and take part in our public consultation online from Wednesday, 26 August 2026 until Thursday 15 October 2026 at 5.00pm. 

New Liberton High School opens

‘Our aim is simple: to put local people at the heart of this campus’

Cutting-edge building replaces existing Liberton High School as part of new community, lifelong learning and sports campus

Staff and pupils at Liberton High School have started the new school year in their brand new state-of-the-art learning and community campus this week, after the building was handed over to the Council.

Balfour Beatty was appointed by the Council to deliver the new building, which has been designed by jmarchitects. The new campus has been formed with the needs of learners in mind. To encourage collaborative learning, the school building features breakout and retreat spaces to offer pupils choice on where they want to work, socialise or take time out.

Large windows fill the building with natural light, while helping to connect departments and classrooms with outdoor spaces. Internal spaces have been decorated with warm colours and light woods to create comfortable spaces for learning and coming together.

Outdoor sports facilities include a new 3G synthetic rugby and football pitch and a multi-use games area. A new grass recreation area that can be lined for football or other sports activities will be added following the demolition of the former Liberton High School building.

The 1,200-space school forms the centrepiece of the new Liberton Community Campus, a multi-purpose facility to help meet the needs of young people, their families and the wider community.

Its spaces have been designed to allow all generations to come together in a number of ways, including a community café, library, GP surgery and workspaces for Council partners. New sports facilities operated by Edinburgh Leisure will feature bookable amenities for the whole community, including a fitness suite and dance studio.

Information on when the other community facilities within the building will be ready for use will be published soon.

The new Community Campus has been built to Passivhaus standard, minimising energy consumption and reducing the reliance on active heating or cooling systems, ensuring sustainable and eco-friendly construction.

In addition to the Passivhaus design, the new school contains other sustainable features supporting the Council to meet its sustainability commitments. This includes measures to improve the air quality and thermal performance of the building which are vital to achieving Passivhaus certification.

The new school building has been designed in line with the guiding principles of the Scottish Government’s Learning Estate Strategy and is one of the projects in the second phase of the Scottish Government’s Learning Estate Investment Programme, alongside the project to redevelop Wester Hailes High School.

Children, Education and Families Convener, Councillor James Dalgleish, said: “The opening of the new Liberton High School marks a major milestone for pupils, staff and the wider community.

“This building has been designed to be futureproof with sustainability at its core, and I’m proud that it stands as one of Scotland’s first Passivhaus secondary schools.

“The school’s leadership team has played a crucial role in shaping a learning environment that puts the needs of young people first, while also meeting our commitments to a net‑zero future.

“This project is however about more than just a school. It’s the foundation of a community lifelong‑learning and sports hub that will bring together education, public services and local amenities in one accessible place, from a Community Library to an NHS GP Surgery. This reflects our ‘Living Well Locally’ strategy, ensuring local services are co‑located where people need them most.

“Our aim is simple: to put local people at the heart of this campus, giving everyone the opportunity to learn, participate and thrive.

“I’m delighted that this exceptional new building will help to bring more local people in the community together, and we’re looking forward to announcing more about the new community facilities soon.”

Stuart Danskin, Project Director at Balfour Beatty said: “As Balfour Beatty’s first Passivhaus secondary school and the centrepiece of the new Liberton Community Campus, the successful completion of Liberton High School demonstrates our expertise in delivering innovative and sustainable infrastructure that creates lasting value for communities.

Further information about the design of the new Liberton Community Campus can be found on the Future Schools Edinburgh website.

Record-breaking results day for Fettes College

Fettes College is celebrating as grades were published nationwide yesterday, with the school’s combined International Baccalaureate (IB) and A Level results breaking previous records.

While predominantly a day marked in the calendar of schools south of the border, the Edinburgh institution is unique in its academic pathway with students opting for either A Levels or IB, the internationally recognised education programme.

In total, 46% of all A Level grades were at A* or A and 80% of entries achieved A* to B grades. There were also 14 students who achieved a clean sweep of A* and A grades and a further six students who achieved 3A*s or more.

Fettes is the only school in Scotland to offer both IB and A Level pathways, and these latest results mark a record-breaking year for combined results: A*/7: 22%; A*-A/ 7-6: 63%; A*-B/ 7-5: 89%.

School leavers are now heading to university places across the UK, including Bath, Cambridge, Edinburgh, King’s College London, Imperial, LSE, St Andrews and UCL. A number have also secured places internationally, at institutions such as Georgetown University, McGill University, UC Berkeley, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Toronto.

Anushka Chakravarty, Deputy Head (Academic), said: “We are incredibly proud of our A Level students and the brilliant results achieved today. They have demonstrated academic curiosity, determination and high aspirations to achieve fantastic outcomes and secure competitive university places.

“Behind the statistics are also some inspiring personal journeys and individual successes, not to mention the staff who have gone above and beyond, offering around-the-clock support sessions, as well as pastoral support in our boarding Houses. Huge congratulations to everyone involved.”

Richard Girvan, Head of Fettes College, said: “As I begin my time as Head of Fettes, these very strong results are a compelling reflection of the ambition and quality of the community I am privileged to join.

“Our leavers depart not only with impressive academic achievements, but also with the confidence, independence, breadth of experience and friendships developed through an education with a range of opportunities that is distinctive in Scotland and stands in comparison with the very best schools across the UK.

“As Old Fettesians, they will continue to draw on those experiences, relationships and opportunities long after they leave us. I congratulate them warmly and wish them every success for the future.”

56 A Level students at Fettes also completed the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) with 23% of EPQ projects awarded the A* grade, 80% achieving A*/A, building further on last year’s outcomes.

Minister visits QMU as Clearing opens opportunities for prospective students

Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh welcomed Ben Macpherson MSP, the Scottish Government’s Minister for Innovation, Technology and Tertiary Education, to campus yesterday (7 August 2026) as he met staff supporting prospective students through the Clearing process. 

The Minister visited QMU’s dedicated Clearing operations room, where the University’s Admissions, Recruitment, Outreach and Widening Participation teams are helping applicants explore their study options and secure places on courses starting this September. 

While applications to study at QMU this year have been buoyant, the University is pleased to have places available on a number of courses through Clearing, all of which are open to and welcome Scottish applicants. 

Tertiary Education Minister, Ben Macpherson, said: “Missing a university offer doesn’t have to mean missing out on going to university.

“Clearing provides many opportunities for students across Scotland to find a course and university that’s right for them, and it’s been great to see Queen Margaret University’s dedicated team offering such personalised support to prospective students. 

“Our message to anyone still weighing up their options is this: search ucas.com and don’t hesitate to reach out to your school, UCAS, universities, Skills Development Scotland (SDS) or Qualifications Scotland if you need support. 

“We would also encourage anyone heading to university or college this autumn to look into having both doses of the MenB vaccine, as this is one of the highest-risk times for meningococcal disease.” 

During his visit, the Minister met members of the Clearing team to learn more about how they are supporting prospective students by phone and email during one of the busiest periods in the higher education calendar. 

In addition to personalised support from the Clearing team, QMU is offering dedicated campus tours for prospective Clearing applicants and an ‘Ask a Student’ service, giving applicants the opportunity to speak directly with current students about life at the University. 

Sir Paul Grice, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of QMU, said: “Clearing is an important opportunity for many students to find the right university and course for them, and we’re proud of the personalised support our teams provide throughout the process.

It was wonderful to welcome the Minister to campus and demonstrate how we’re helping prospective students explore the degree opportunities available at QMU, with all of our courses focused on preparing career-ready graduates. 

“We know that choosing where to study is a significant decision, and we’re committed to making that journey as straightforward and supportive as possible.” 

Prospective students can contact QMU’s friendly Clearing team by phone or email for advice on available courses and the application process.

They can also find information on available courses, campus tours, student stories and guidance on the Clearing process on the University’s Clearing webpages. 

Alongside highlighting the opportunities available through Clearing, the Minister used his visit to highlight the importance of eligible students taking up the free MenB vaccine ahead of starting university. 

Young people in Scotland, including S6 leavers born between March 2008 and February 2009 and under-25s entering higher or further education for the first time in 2026-27, are eligible for two free doses. 

As moving into shared accommodation can increase the risk of infection, students are encouraged to complete the course before the start of term where possible and to check NHS Inform for more information. 

Celebrating the many paths to success on Results Day

Results Day is a major milestone for learners across Scotland, with thousands opening envelopes to find out what they have been awarded in their National Qualifications and Awards.

But on the day itself, and throughout the year, there are other achievements being celebrated too. Apprenticeships, vocational qualifications, college pathways and social enterprises are opening doors to rewarding careers and opportunities, offering routes that stand alongside and sometimes go far beyond a traditional academic path.

Take Ellie Sandison’s path in Shetland. After leaving university when full-time study alongside work didn’t suit her, Ellie found her direction through a front-desk role at Shetland Museum and Archives.

Ellie (PICTURED, top) went on to complete the Museum Galleries Technician Modern Apprenticeship, earning a Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) in Museum and Galleries Practice while working full time, and now works as a Learning & Engagement Assistant at the museum, delivering sessions on Shetland’s heritage to schools and community groups.

“My career path was not exactly straightforward,” she says, “but all the skills I learned along the way brought me to where I am today, and I absolutely love what I do.”

Kai Henderson from Aberdeenshire began his career journey while still at school with a Foundation Apprenticeship in Business Skills. That first step led him through a Modern Apprenticeship and then a Graduate Apprenticeship, and ultimately into his current role as Head of AI and Data.

“The pathway through apprenticeships is a brilliant route,” Kai says. “Not only have I been able to gain qualifications, knowledge and skills, but I was able to get real and meaningful experience from joining a team in a working environment.”

Younger learners are finding similarly transformative experiences outside of the school classroom. At Scran Academy in Edinburgh, a youth-led catering social enterprise, young people aged 13 to 16 build practical skills and gain Qualifications Scotland qualifications in food preparation, enterprise and work placement, often after disengaging from mainstream school.

For Jacob, the difference was clear from the start: “Scran offered me a place where I didn’t just feel like a number,” he says. “All the cooking qualifications helped me to get my job in a kitchen and are the reason I have the job in the first place.”

At St Thomas Aquinas Secondary School in Glasgow, pupils are choosing specialist qualifications even after achieving success through traditional routes. The school’s National Progression Award (NPA) in Cyber Security has proven so popular that some learners return in S6 to study it despite already holding a Higher in Computing Science.

Former pupil Elodie, now studying Computing Science at the University of Glasgow, says the course “got me more interested in the sector,” and has shaped her ambition to work in data privacy and human rights.

The same school’s NPA in Business and Marketing has delivered similarly impressive results, most notably through the entrepreneurship part of the course, where a team of S6 pupils recently won a national competition with a wearable safety device for women.

One of the winning team, Jovita, says the course “gave me huge confidence” as she prepares to begin studying English and Film at Edinburgh Napier University, with ambitions to become a producer.

Not every pathway runs smoothly, but that’s part of the journey too. In Glasgow, Demi Crawford is completing a Painting and Decorating apprenticeship through City Building Training College, having overcome a serious knee injury that required surgery and led to a lot of absence.

With a tailored timetable to help her catch up, she’s now heading into her fourth and final year, preparing to sit the skills test that will qualify her as a tradesperson. “No two days are the same,” she says, “which makes work more enjoyable.”

For 50-year-old Cyprien Bayekelua, also in Glasgow, the pathway into a new career started with English lessons. Having come to Scotland speaking French, Cyprien progressed through Glasgow Clyde College’s Social Services pathway, from a qualification in English for Speakers of Other Languages all the way to a Higher National Certificate in Social Services, overcoming challenges around age and language along the way.

“These challenges were difficult,” he says, “but they also helped me grow stronger and more determined.” He now plans to continue supporting elderly service users.

Nick Page, Chief Executive Officer at Qualifications Scotland said: “Results Day is about celebrating every learner’s achievement, whatever path they’ve taken.

“These stories show the incredible range of routes available, from foundation apprenticeships and work-based learning to vocational qualifications delivered in schools, colleges and community initiatives.

“I’ve seen it first-hand myself when visiting centres across the country, and I’m continually impressed with the hard work of learners everywhere.

“Whether it’s a young person discovering a passion for cyber security, building a new career in social care later in life, or an apprentice overcoming setbacks to qualify, each of these journeys proves that success looks different for everyone.

“I want to congratulate every person who has worked incredibly hard to get to where they are, and for every learner in Scotland to know there is a path that’s right for them.”

Exam passes up at all levels

“This is a proud day for Scotland’s young people and our education system“

POVERTY-RELATED ATTAINMENT GAP CLOSES FURTHER

Helpline Ready to Support Thousands of Young Scots on Results Day.

Màiri McAllan MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic was in Glasgow today meeting SDS Results Helpline careers advisers ahead of exam results day. Pictured with L to R: Lesley Niven, Lisa Dunn and Greig Paterson

A dedicated results helpline will open today (Tuesday, 4 August at 8am) to support around 148,000 Scottish pupils and students as their Qualifications Scotland results certificates are delivered.  

Pass rates for National 5, Highers and Advanced Highers have all increased again, including a record number of National 5 passes. Learners have also achieved a record number of vocational and technical qualifications, up by 121% on pre-pandemic levels.

Congratulating everyone receiving their results today, Education Secretary Màiri McAllan welcomed a narrowing of the poverty related attainment gap compared with both last year and pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

Results Day data, published by Qualifications Scotland for the first time, shows:

  • a record 269,115 National 5 passes and an increase in Grade A percentages
  • a second annual increase in the pass rate for all three graded national qualifications – National 5 (pass rate 79.2%, up by 0.8 percentage points), Highers (76.7%, up 0.8 points) and Advanced Highers (77.6%, up 0.9 points)
  • an increase in the pass rate compared with 2019 for National 5 (up 1 point) and Highers (up 1.9 points)
  • a narrowing in the poverty related attainment gap for A-C passes across the graded national qualifications, with attainment having gone up for both the most deprived and least deprived areas
  • increases in pass rates and the percentage of A grades for learners with additional support needs across National 5 and Highers compared with last year and 2024
  • more than 120,000 vocational and technical qualification awards, a record high and a 9.1% increase on last year.
 

The Education Secretary said: “This is a proud day for Scotland’s young people and our education system.

“My congratulations go to everyone receiving their results. I know how much hard work and resilience it takes to get here and you all deserve enormous credit.

“These are incredibly positive results across the board, with academic passes up at every level – National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher – as well as record numbers of vocational qualifications. This is testament to the breadth and strength of Scotland’s education system, the professionalism of our teachers and school staff and the hard work of our young people.

“It is particularly pleasing to see another narrowing in the attainment gap between the most and least deprived areas. This builds on similar progress in the gaps for literacy and numeracy levels, as well as for the number of young people entering initial positive destinations, which has narrowed by almost two thirds since 2009-10.

“This is welcome progress but we will not be complacent and will continue to do all we can to close the poverty related attainment gap even further, having empowered headteachers and invested £1.75 billion in the Scottish Attainment Challenge over the past decade, with up to £200 million being invested this year as well.

“Curriculum for Excellence aims to prepare young people for their future in life, learning and work, and today’s results show that it is doing that. The diversity of qualifications – whether they are gained through academic study, vocational and technical learning or work-based opportunities – is equipping young people with the knowledge, skills and attributes needed to flourish in the modern world. And the range is wider than ever, with qualifications in sports, creative industries, childcare, engineering and journalism among others.

Helpline Ready to Support Thousands of Young Scots on Results Day.

“For those young people who may be disappointed with their results, I would urge them to remember that there is no wrong path. Teachers, as well as services such as the Skills Development Scotland helpline and Qualifications Scotland Learner Support Hub, are there to help plan your next steps.”

The Results Day data has now been published by Qualifications Scotland.

Skills Development Scotland’s Results Helpline is now taking calls for anyone that is unsure on the next steps, whether that is in work, training or further study. 

More than 148,000 learners across Scotland will receive their results today – enabling them to progress onto their next stage in education, training or employment.

In its first year of delivering results for National Qualifications and Awards, Qualifications Scotland confirmed that the 2025-26 session resulted in:

  • Overall attainment rates at A-C increasing at all levels of National Qualifications (National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher)
  • The poverty-related attainment gap narrowed at all levels of National Qualifications (National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher)
  • Total number of vocational and technical qualifications – the skills-based awards that unlock training and career opportunities – continuing to increase to more than 120,000
  • Learners are achieving more National Qualifications and vocational and technical qualifications – but not to the detriment of one over the other

All learners will receive the traditional envelope through the letterbox containing their results and qualifications certificate. More than 67,000 of them have already received their results via email or text from 8am today, having signed up for the My Qualifications Scotland digital service.

Donna Stewart, Scotland’s Chief Qualifications and Examinations Officer, said: ‘Scotland’s learners should be proud of what they have achieved today – we are certainly very proud of them.

‘These results are a testament to their hard work and commitment. The rise in overall attainment at all three National Qualification levels and the increasing attainment in vocational and technical qualifications will rightly be welcomed in classrooms and staffrooms across Scotland.

‘The diversity of qualifications being achieved today is further evidence of the appetite for skills-based, practical qualifications along with traditional subjects, which give learners a variety of options to develop skills and build work experience that employers are looking out for. It is encouraging to see the number of vocational and technical qualifications continuing to grow to over 120,000.

‘The results for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses are evidence of the stable state of the awarding system with assessments working as intended, ensuring that learners were able to demonstrate what they know and can do.

‘I also want to thank my fellow teachers and lecturers; not only the thousands of them who play a critical role as markers and so make Results Day possible but every educator for the work they do every day to support learners, alongside support workers, parents and carers across Scotland.

‘Today is our first Results Day as Qualifications Scotland, and everyone takes our responsibility to deliver for Scotland’s learners very seriously and we feel privileged to have delivered these results to them today.’

Edinburgh College is hosting an Exam Results Day Drop In event this Thursday (6th August) at its Sighthill Campus. The event will give prospective students the chance to speak to lecturers about their applications and course options ahead of the 2026/27 academic year.

From 10am until 1:30pm, the College’s knowledgeable staff will be on hand to discuss potential options following the release of exam results, allowing students to secure places on courses for the upcoming session. Those students who have changed their mind about their original course choice, or are yet to submit an application for college but would like to study this year, are also encouraged to come along.

The Student Services team will also be available to provide advice on funding as well as the access to learning support available at Edinburgh College.

The College offers a wide variety of courses covering a range of subject areas within the Creative Industries, Construction and Engineering, Health, Wellbeing and Social Sciences, as well as Tourism, Hospitality and Business. Courses are delivered in a variety of study modes too, including full-time and part-time options, offering flexibility for students.

If you’re unable to make the event but would still like to discuss your options, the College will have a dedicated clearing phoneline open from the 4th of August until the 14th, from 9am to 4pm, which can be reached on 0131 297 8300.

It’s Results Day!

Good luck to all students receiving their Qualifications Scotland results today.

Results Day is a chance to celebrate success through more pathways than ever.

Whatever your results, there is no wrong path.

  • Over 148,000 young people will receive results today
  • Certificates will be issued for a wide range of knowledge and skills-based qualifications
  • A free appeals service and a dedicated support hub will be available for learners

Over 148,000 learners across Scotland will receive the results of their Nationals, Highers, Advanced Highers, and Skills for Work Awards on Tuesday 4 August. Learners completing National Progression Awards, National Certificates, and Awards are also certified on Tuesday 4 August and throughout the year.

All learners will receive a copy of their Scottish Qualifications Certificate delivered to their home address by first-class post, while everyone who signed up for and activated a My Qualifications Scotland account will also receive their results by text and/or email the same morning. If learners do not receive their certificate with their post, they can contact their school, college or training provider, who can provide results.

These results will allow young people to take the next step on their learning journey; either continuing at school, moving on to college or university, or entering employment or a workplace-based training programme.

Many of those receiving certification have completed vocational and technical qualifications, and apprenticeships in schools, colleges and other training centres, including Skills for Work Awards, National Progression Awards, and National Certificates, in areas such as Cyber Security, Employability, Hospitality, and Sports Education.

Helpline Ready to Support Thousands of Young Scots on Results Day.

Màiri McAllan MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic was in Glasgow today meeting SDS Results Helpline careers advisers ahead of exam results day. Pictured with L to R: Lesley Niven, Lisa Dunn and Greig Paterson

A dedicated results helpline will open today (Tuesday, 4 August at 8am) to support around 148,000 Scottish pupils and students as their Qualifications Scotland results certificates are delivered.  

Annette McKenna, Senior Operations Manager at Qualifications Scotland said: “Learners should feel proud knowing their qualifications reflect the effort, knowledge, and skills they’ve worked hard to develop. Colleges, universities, and employers can equally trust in the high standard and integrity that underpins every result.

“If you’re unsure about next steps or just need some support on Results Day, our helplines are there for you. Whatever the outcome, there are plenty of routes forward and many ways to build the future you want.”