Exam helpline to open

Pupils in Rutherglen and Cambuslang will receive their exam results in just under two weeks time.

And they can make use of a special helpline that has been set up offering advice and support regardless of how their results went.

Skills Development Scotland’s (SDS) exam results helpline will open on Tuesday, August 8, the same day hundreds of students across the two towns receive their national, higher and advanced higher results.

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.

The line is also open to parents, who have made up a third of callers since the helpline was started 25 years ago.

National Parent Forum of Scotland chair, Joanna Murphy said:“I know from my own experiences that the SDS exam results helpline is a real life line.

“It offers young people and their parents and carers the chance to talk to someone who is impartial, which helps you to step back and take stock.

“Whether you’ve had unexpected results, or just want to talk over your choices, the advisers can talk you through the wide range of options available to you.

“A calm conversation takes some of the heat out of the emotion of the day, and reminds young people no matter the results, there is always a next step.”

The line will be open from 8am until 8pm on August 8 and 9 and from 9am until 5pm from August 10-16.

The number to call is 0808 100 8000.

Help is also available at SDS’s network of local centres.

For full details of locations and opening hours, visit www. skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk.