Results day for pupils across the country

Tens of thousands of pupils will find out their grades as the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) publishes exam results today.

National, Higher and Advanced Higher results will be issued as well as awards in Skills for Work courses, National Progression Awards and National Certificates for Scottish students.

While most of the 135,000 pupils will be waiting on the post to arrive to discover results, about 59,000 youngsters have signed up to the MySQA to receive grades by text message and email.

SQA reminded users to ensure their mobile phones are charged, have credit on them and that the correct phone number has been registered.

The results will be issued from 8am but email delivery may take longer depending on the candidate’s email service provider, and SQA said they should check their spam folder in case the email has gone there.

Traditional helplines will be open for pupils with Skills Development Scotland’s (SDS) dedicated line available for a week from results day to support young people.

It will be open from 8am until 8pm today and tomorrow, and from 9am until 5pm from August 9 to 15. The number to call is 0808 100 8000.

The Royal Mail said staff have been “pulling out all the stops” to ensure results arrive as quickly as possible, with deliveries taking place across the world with many Scots abroad for results day.

Julie Pirone, director of external relations at Royal Mail, said the service has been working with partners in 45 countries to ensure results reach pupils.

She said: “This is a massive day for every pupil in Scotland, waiting for their results.

“All of our postmen and women, many of whom have children themselves, understand just how important this day is for families.”

After weeks of waiting, Scottish pupils will finally receive their exam results today. For some it will be a cause for celebration, their marks representing just reward for many months of hard work and dedication.

Hundreds will be able to draw up firm plans for their future, with places at university or college duly confirmed.

To those students, we say well done on achieving your aims.

However, not all will be so lucky.

It is well worth sparing a thought for those – and there will inevitably be many – who have not achieved the grades they have been dreaming of.

They may feel deflated, but for those students there is no need to despair.

Many opportunities remain – and there is no shortage of help on hand.

A setback at this stage in a young person’s life is by no means the final straw and, as one door closes, another is sure to open.

As deputy first minister John Swinney noted during a visit to a helpline adviser training centre yesterday: “Whatever the outcome, it is only the beginning of the journey to your chosen career.”

They are wise words.

We wish all candidates the very best for the future – no matter the results they are receiving today.