Exam results helpline

Sir,

Skills Development Scotland’s (SDS) exam results helpline opens on Tuesday August 8 as 139,000 pupils across the country receive their National, Higher and Advanced Higher results.

This is the 25th year of the free helpline which offers advice, information and support for young people and their parents, who make

a third of all calls.

It will be open from 8am until 8pm on August 8 and 9 and from 9am until 5pm from August 10 till 16. The number to call is 0808 100 8000.

Qualified careers advisers are on hand to help young people who may not have received the results they were hoping for and those who have done better than anticipated.

These skilled professionals have unique access to information on UCAS course vacancies at UK colleges and universities, confirmation and clearing, advice about modern and foundation apprenticeships and employment or volunteering. Our message for young people and their parents and carers as the results arrive is not to panic. Everything might seem overwhelming at that point. Our experienced advisers are there to help and have information on all the options and opportunities young people can consider.

Post-results information for pupils and parents is also available at www.myworldofwork.co.uk.

There is also information about modern apprenticeships and foundation apprenticeships, at www.apprenticeships.scot. Foundation apprenticeships help young people gain valuable, real-world work experience and access workbased learning while they are still at school.

Students can also access help, advice and support via SDS’s Facebook page which has practical help and links to UCAS, SAAS, Young Scot and the SQA.

Skills Development Scotland.