Almost 150,000 Scottish pupils received their National, Higher and Advanced Higher exam results for 2026 on Tuesday, with pass rates reaching record levels.
Results letters arrived from 8am, with the National 5 pass rate hitting 79.2 per cent – the highest ever recorded and up 0.8 percentage points from last year. Higher pass rates also rose by 0.8 per cent to 76.7 per cent, while Advanced Highers saw a 0.9-point increase to 77.6 per cent.
Results distribution and grading
Results were delivered through first-class post, and those with a MySQA account received them by text and email. Qualifications Scotland, which replaced the Scottish Qualifications Authority in February 2026, released the results at 8am.
More than 800,000 exam scripts were graded by 7,590 markers before around 148,700 pupils received their grades.
Support available for pupils
Skills Development Scotland (SDS) has set up a results helpline, with careers advisers ready to provide support. The 0808 100 8000 helpline is open from 8am to 8pm on Tuesday and Wednesday, and from 9am to 5pm on Thursday and Friday.
Education Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “Results Day is about celebrating the hard work and achievements of every young person receiving their results, and the teachers, school staff, parents and carers who have supported them along the way.
“It can also be an anxious and uncertain time, but whatever your results, there is support available and a wide range of options ahead. Whether your path is staying on at school, moving into college or university, starting an apprenticeship or other training, or entering employment, there are people there to help from the minute you get your results – you are not alone.
“The SDS results helpline is such an important service, alongside wider support through your school, Qualifications Scotland’s Learner Support Hub, and through Parent Club – the Scottish Government’s information hub offering advice and support for parents and carers.”
Helpline's long history
The SDS Results Helpline has been running for 34 years and has helped tens of thousands of young Scots. Advisers encourage anyone unsure to call and speak with a careers adviser, who can help them consider immediate questions and the wider context to make informed choices about next steps.
Dave McCallum, head of Career Information, Advice and Guidance Operations at SDS, said: “Our message for young people and their parents and carers as their results arrive is not to panic. Everything might seem overwhelming right now but remember that this is just one step on their journey.
“Our experienced advisers are here to provide expert support and guidance, offering information on a wide range of options and opportunities. They are also trained to help young people recognise that they are more than their exam results, giving them the confidence to see their strengths and skills beyond qualifications.”
