Don’t panic: get advice from the experts

Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford was keen to congratulate the pupils on their achievements – but was also quick to stress that there is support in place for those who did not achieve what they wanted.

He said:“Of course, for some people their exam results may not reflect what they had hoped for or had expected to achieve and those in that situation may be asking ‘what now?’.

“The answer is not to panic. There is expert advice available. Skills Development Scotland are running an exam results helpline where a member of the team will be able to talk them through their options.”

The phone line is open from 8am to 8pm today and then from 9am to 5pm each day until August 15. The number is 0800 100 8000.

Mid Scotland and Fife Tory MSP Dean Lockhart expressed some frustrations with the education system, saying:“Whilst the high standards which Stirling schools have maintained over the years have on the whole remained steady, it is disappointing that there has been no improvement in those fourth-year pupils gaining five national qualifications and confirms that there are still major issues about the mix between National 4 and National 5 qualifications.

“Clearly more needs to be done and I would urge the Scottish Government to look seriously at attainment across Scottish schools and ditch the complacency that we have seen in recent years.”