Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) results day is a key moment in the calendar for students, parents and teachers each year.
Below, we have the key dates and important information as students in Scotland prepare to find out their results and take their next steps in life.
When will students receive their SQA results this year?
SQA results day 2024 is on Tuesday 6 August, including results for National 5, Higher, Advanced Higher and National Progression Awards (better known as NPAs).
How do students receive their results?
Students will receive their Scottish Qualifications Certificate (SQC) by first-class post on Tuesday 6 August.
If they have signed up for the MySQA service, students can receive results for qualifications including National 4, National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher via text and/or email, usually at 8am.
Students must sign up to and activate their MySQA account by 5pm on 17 July 2024.
What should students do if results don’t arrive?
If the post has been delivered but the certificate isn’t there, or they have signed up for MySQA but not received anything, students should contact their school or college for their results. If the school cannot provide results, they can contact the SQA candidate advice line on 0345 279 1000.
What should students do if results are missing?
If students are missing results from their certificates, or there are results listed that they weren’t expecting to see, they must speak to their teachers or lecturers when they return to school or college. SQA will only send out an updated certificate once the school or college has provided the necessary information.
Where can students get advice if they are disappointed by their results?
On SQA results day, many students will find out they have not got the grades they need for the plans they had made.
School staff will be able to provide advice while the Skills Development Scotland results helpline can be called on 0808 100 8000.
How does the university clearing process work?
Clearing is the system used by universities and further education colleges to fill any places they still have available on their courses. Clearing is open from 5 July to 21 October 2024 - admissions service Ucas has a guide to clearing for students.
For more on how the process works, see the Tes guide to clearing, which explains what students need to do in order to secure a place using the service.
Can students appeal their results?
Yes, although critics of the current approach say it is not a proper appeals system as past performance - in, for example, prelim exams - is not considered.
This year, appeals are again free of charge and can be made either through schools or colleges, or through the SQA itself using the “learner direct service”, which will open on results day at 9am via the SQA website.
If a grade is appealed, a senior marker will carry out a marking review of the student’s SQA-marked assessments and will check:
- that all sections have been marked
- the marking is in line with the national standard
- the marks have been totalled correctly
- the correct result has been entered in the system
Some students will be able to apply to the Examination Exceptional Circumstances Consideration Service (EECCS) if they are unable to attend an exam or believe their performance was affected by a personal circumstance or an unplanned incident on the day beyond their control.
This might involve a medical condition or bereavement, or a disruption to the exam that is reported by the chief invigilator.
This year, the EECCS will open on 22 April 2024; the closing date is 10 working days after the exam for which each request is made.
The SQA has said that more information on appeals will be published on its website by the end of April 2024.
How can I follow results day 2024 on Tes Scotland?
We’ll be following proceedings closely on the day, so bookmark the Tes Scotland hub to stay up to date.
We’ll also cover SQA results day 2024 on X (formerly Twitter): follow Tes Scotland; Henry Hepburn and Emma Seith for updates.
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