Teens need not panic if results day is not as planned

YOUNGSTERS ARE being reminded that help is at hand if their exam results are not quite what they expected.

About 160,000 students in Scotland will get their exam results on Tuesday August 7.

Whether they are thinking about university or college, training, getting a job or need another option, help is at hand with a free call to the Skills Development Scotland (SDS) exam results helpline on 0808 100 8000.

SDS chief executive Damien Yeates said: “The exam results helpline will be live from 8am on August 7 as people begin to receive their SQA qualifications.

“It’s there to give advice and support to students and their parents, whether they are thinking about going to college or university, getting a job or a modern apprenticeship.”

This year, students will enjoy more support than ever thanks to the newlylaunched SDS Facebook page.

Offering answers to common problems, hints for making the best career move and practical advice from the My World of Work website, it also features useful links to other relevant bodies, such as UCAS, SAAS and the SQA.

Mr Yeates added: “As always, our advice is not to panic. Making the call is the vital first move in finding out what options are available.

“Often, parents or carers call on behalf of their children and that can enable family discussions on the best way ahead.

“The helpline is about finding the right path for the individual and we have a wide range of services to help people identify and build successful careers.”

Advisers will be on hand to give access to information on UCAS course vacancies at colleges and universities across the UK, confirmation and clearing, advice about employment, training opportunities and exam resits.

The Exam Results Helpline will run from 8am to 8pm on August 7 and 8, then from 9am to 5pm until August 15.

Further information is available on the Skills Development Scotland website at www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk.