Support available after exam results

Support will be available to young people across Scotland after they receive their exam results on Tuesday.

The Skills Development Scotland (SDS) free results helpline will offer careers advice and information for young people and guardians from 8am on results day.

Around 138,000 people will receive their National, Higher and Advanced Higher results on Tuesday.

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 advisers will provide expert advice to help all pupils understand their future education and career choices.”

James Russell, SDS director of career information, advice and guidance operations, said: “This year is unlike any other and young people receiving results and their families may be feeling more anxious, which is understandable.

“This is the point when their work and efforts are recognised, our advice and support is available and our message is if your results aren’t what you expected, don’t worry, you have lots of options.

“Our careers advisers are here to help you and your parents and carers with information on all the options and opportunities on offer.”

The helpline will be open on August 4 and 5 from 8am to 8pm, August 6 and 7 from 9am to 5pm and August 10 to 12 from 9am to 5pm.

The helpline number is 0808 1008000.

John Swinney.