Helpline offers advice and support for students

Experts, and those speaking from experience, are keen to reiterate to youngsters that exam results need not be a headache.

Whether achieving higher or below expectations, there are options available to everyone leaving high school or looking to advance to university.

But there are also a number of other options through apprenticeships, training schemes and elsewhere.

Education Secretary John Swinney said:“Young people and their families have shown tremendous resilience in coping with the many challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and will naturally be anxious about the potential impact on results.

“You may achieve the results you worked so hard for, but if you miss out on the grades you were hoping for, there is still a huge variety of options available to you.”

Skills Development Scotland have a free exam helpline offering advice, information and support for students.

Their expert careers advisers can discuss options and next steps such as course vacancies at UK colleges and universities, Confirmation and Clearing, Modern, Foundation and Graduate Apprenticeships and jobs or volunteering.

The helpline will be open 8am-8pm on Tuesday and Wednesday, and between 9am and 5pm on Thursday and Friday.

The SDS helpline number is 0808 100 8000. Details of local centres and opening hours can be seen at www. skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk.

Help is available from careers advisers who have access to information on UCAS vacancies, modern or foundation apprenticeships, employment and volunteering.

Advice is also available via SQA on 0345 279 1000.