More than 148,000 pupils across Scotland are receiving their exam results today (August 4), marking a major milestone for those hoping to move on to university, college, apprenticeships or employment.
Students are receiving grades for Nationals, Highers, Advanced Highers and Skills for Work Awards. This year's results are being issued for the first time by Qualifications Scotland, the country's new national awarding body that has replaced the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).
While many will be celebrating, others may find their grades have not met their expectations. If you believe there has been an error in the marking of your exam, there is a free appeals process available that allows your work to be reviewed.
Can I appeal my exam results?
Learners in Scotland can ask for a review of their final grades if they think a mistake has been made during the external marking process. The appeals service is free to use and can be accessed either directly by the student or through their school, college or education provider. The service opened at 9am on results day, August 4, and can be accessed via the official Qualifications Scotland website.
Students submitting an appeal themselves must do so by:
- August 11 at 11.59pm for priority appeals
- August 25 at 11.59pm for all other appeals
If your school or college is submitting the appeal on your behalf, the deadlines are:
- August 20 at 5pm for priority appeals
- August 28 at 5pm for all other appeals
Priority appeals are only available for students whose grade could affect a conditional offer for university, college, training or employment. If you're applying under this route, Qualifications Scotland recommends informing the relevant university, college, training provider or employer that you've submitted a priority appeal.
What happens during an appeal?
The appeals process is designed to check whether your assessment was marked correctly rather than provide a second opinion on your performance. A senior marker carries out a full review of all externally marked questions and assignments to ensure the original marks match the agreed national marking standards.
As part of their review, they will also check that every part of your assessment has been marked, that your paper has been totalled correctly, and that the correct final result has been recorded on the system. It's important to remember that an appeal does not automatically mean your grade will increase. Following the review, your result could stay the same, go up or even go down.
Where can I get help?
If you're unsure about your next steps after receiving your results, support is available through the Skills Development Scotland (SDS) Results Helpline. Qualified careers advisers are on hand to offer guidance on university and college places, UCAS Confirmation and Clearing, apprenticeships, training opportunities and employment options.
The free helpline is available from 8am on results day by calling 0808 100 8000. Additionally, you can find this information on the official Skills Development Scotland website.
