Expert help still available for Edinburgh pupils with SQA results

A dedicated helpline remains open to support tens of thousands of pupils and students in and around the capital who received their full Higher, National and Advanced results on Tuesday.

The young people – along with their parents and carers – can get support with their results through Skills Development Scotland’s (SDS) dedicated Results Helpline that will be offering impartial career information, advice, and guidance.

The SDS Results Helpline is once again be staffed by expert careers advisers and went live from 8am on Tuesday 6 August to assist anybody that needs help with their options and next steps.

The team of qualified advisers from Scotland’s national skills agency are at the end of the phone line to offer advice about colleges and universities, UCAS Confirmation and Clearing, apprenticeships, jobs and other training, volunteering, or staying on at school.

Dave McCallum, Head of Career Information, Advice and Guidance Operations at SDS said: “Our message for young people and their parents and carers as their results arrive is not to panic. Everything might seem overwhelming right now but remember that this is just one step on your journey.

“Our experienced advisers are here to provide expert support and guidance, offering information on a wide range of options and opportunities. Whether you didn’t receive the results you were hoping for, or exceeded your expectations, we are here to help you navigate the next steps and the make the best decisions for your future.”

The SDS Results Helpline has been going for 32 years and has helped tens of thousands of young Scots. There’s also an SDS careers adviser linked to every secondary school in Scotland, with almost a quarter of a million school pupils from P7 to S6 receiving careers information, advice and guidance each year*.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “I want to pay tribute to all the young people who have worked incredibly hard and are now waiting for their exam results. Results day can be a very emotional one for pupils, parents and carers.

“There are options out there for you whatever your results may be. The helpline provides a valuable opportunity to speak directly with someone who can offer impartial, expert advice on your options.

“Anyone with concerns, no matter how small, should take the chance to phone the careers experts if they need advice or reassurance.”

The number for the 2024 Results Helpline is 0808 100 8000 and is open:

  • Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 August – 8am to 8pm
  • Thursday 8 and Friday 9 August – 9am to 5pm

Parents’ organisation Connect promotes the Results Helpline every year to parents, carers and young people as a great source of information and support.

Gavin Yates, Connect’s Executive Director, said: “Each year we encourage parents, carers and young people to use the Results Helpline.

“There are opportunities for everyone, whatever their results are. With the support of the Results Helpline team, families can navigate these to explore all options.”

In addition to the dedicated SDS Results Helpline, young people and their parents or carers can also speak to an SDS adviser at a SDS centre or community venue (find out what’s close to you on the Contact us page of the SDS website), visit Scotland’s career information and advice website, My World of Work, or speak to directly to an SDS school-based careers adviser for year-round support.

Exam results: Support for pupils

Education Minister visits Results Helpline Centre

The Skills Development Scotland (SDS) Results Helpline is staffed by more than 30 expert careers advisors and opens tomorrow (Tuesday 8th August) for four days.

The service provides impartial careers advice and guidance on the next steps to students, and their parents and carers, following receipt of their exam results.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth met SDS staff at a Results Helpline centre in Edinburgh to learn more about their work and how it benefits pupils.

Ms Gilruth said: “Results day can be a very emotional one for pupils, parents and carers. The opportunity to have a conversation with someone who is impartial and knowledgeable is so valuable.

“Whatever a person’s results, there are options out there for everyone and I would encourage anyone with any concerns or uncertainty about future choices to contact the results helpline to speak with friendly, knowledgeable staff for advice about your next steps.”

SDS Head of Career Information, Advice and Guidance Operations Sharon McIntyre said: “We are so pleased the Education Secretary took time out to come and visit the Results Helpline staff this year.

“It was very clear from the conversations we had that she recognises just how valuable our support is for worried pupils, parents and carers. We wish everyone all the very best with their results this year, but please don’t worry if you don’t get the outcome you hoped for, just phone 0808 100 8000 and we will help you find alternative options.”

The SDS helpline can be reached on 0800 100 8000 and will be open from 8am to 8pm on Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th August.

It will then open from 9am to 5pm on Thursday 10th and Friday 11th August. The SDS’ careers advisers will be on hand to offer advice about all post school options, including UK colleges and universities, Confirmation and Clearing, apprenticeships, jobs and volunteering.

Students can also access the SQA Candidate Advice Line (CAL) on 0345 279 1000.

It offers support and information relating to the Scottish Qualification Certificates and is open from 8am-6pm on 8 August and 8.30am – 5pm on 9 August.