National, Higher and Advanced Higher exam results arrive for almost 150,000 pupils
Pass rates were up across all exams as results arrived, bringing joy and happiness to three-quarters of households across the country from 8 am on Tuesday.
But if things did not go as planned, then students who are unhappy with their exam results can do.
The results arrived in the mail via first-class post, and those with a MySQA account received them by text and email.
Qualifications Scotland, who replaced the Scottish Qualifications Authority in February 2026, released results at 8 am.
Skills Development Scotland (SDS) is on hand at a special results helpline, with careers advisers ready to provide support and assistance to young people.
The 0808 100 8000 helpline will be open 8 am to 8 pm on Tuesday and Wednesday, and from 9 am to 5 pm on Thursday and Friday.
Education Secretary Màiri McAllan, right, 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.”
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.”
Meanwhile, Scottish Labour has warned “more must be done” to give kids the opportunities they deserve, as exam results show limited progress.
They said despite an improvement on last year, performance is generally lower than 10 years ago.
The pass rate for National 5s, Highers and Advance Highers were all higher in 2016 than in 2026.
Similarly, despite some progress compared to last year, Scotland’s stubborn attainment gap remains wider than in 2016 across National 5s, Highers and Advanced Highers.
Scottish Labour Education spokesperson Katherine Sangster, above left, said: “Any improvement in exam results is welcome, and the progress being made is a testament to the hard work of pupils and the dedication of their teachers.
“However, there is no room for complacency when it comes to giving the next generation the future they deserve. A decade ago the SNP promised to close the attainment gap, but since then it has widened.
“No child should be held back by their postcode or their background, but far more must be done to tackle the damaging inequalities in our education system.
“We need an education system that can unlock the potential of every child and give them the opportunities they deserve.”
ENDS
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