Scottish Exam Results 2026: Grades Released From 08:00 — What You Need To Know

More than 148,000 people across Scotland will receive their exam results from 08:00 on Tuesday. Results for Nationals, Highers, Advanced Highers and vocational awards (including Skills for Work and National Progression Awards) are being issued by the new regulator, Qualifications Scotland, which has taken over from the SQA.

Who Is Getting Results

Around 131,000 learners sat school-based exams across more than 460 schools, colleges and training centres this year, while roughly 17,000 candidates will receive results for vocational courses and National Certificates.

How Results Will Be Sent

All candidates will receive a paper copy of their results by first-class post; delivery timing will depend on each person’s normal mail schedule. In addition, about 67,000 candidates who have activated a My Qualifications Scotland account will receive email or text notifications from 08:00.

Grading And How Boundaries Work

National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses are graded on an A–D scale. National 2, 3 and 4 courses are not awarded letter grades — their component units are assessed as pass or fail.

Grade boundaries vary year to year and the final percentages for 2026 will be confirmed on results day. As an initial guide, Qualifications Scotland often starts with reference points of 50% for a C, 70% for an A and 85% for an Upper A. A grade D is generally a pass and typically corresponds to a score around 40–49%; scores below 40% receive a no award.

Trends And Context

Provisional figures from last year showed increases in the share of pupils achieving A–C at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher. However, separate data indicate that the attainment gap between the wealthiest and poorest pupils in Scotland remains wider than before the pandemic.

Support And Advice

If you don’t get the result you expected, support is available. Qualifications Scotland’s learner support hub can be reached on 0345 279 1000. It opens at 08:00 on results day and will operate until 18:00; thereafter it will be open 08:30–17:00 on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Guidance staff at schools and colleges will also be available on the day.

Skills Development Scotland (SDS) will run a dedicated advice line on 0808 100 8000, open 08:00–20:00 on Tuesday and Wednesday, and 09:00–17:00 on Thursday and Friday. SDS advisers can help with college and university vacancies, the UCAS clearing process, apprenticeships, jobs, volunteering or staying on at school.

Appeals And Reviews

Thousands of pupils appeal each year. Before exams, schools, colleges and training centres submit estimated grades for every candidate. If you think your published grade is wrong, first speak to your school or college — they can request a marking review on your behalf — or submit an individual appeal.

Appeals involve a marking review to check arithmetic, ensure marks were submitted correctly and confirm marking aligns with national standards. Appeals can be prioritised if you need the result for a conditional university or college place, or for training or employment that depends on your grade.

Appeal deadlines: individuals must submit a priority appeal by 11 August (non-priority by 25 August). If a school or college is lodging the appeal, the deadlines are 20 August for priority cases and 28 August for other appeals.

Quick Checklist For Results Day

- From 08:00: Digital notifications (texts/emails) to activated My Qualifications Scotland accounts.
- Post: All candidates receive paper results by first-class post.
- Need help? Qualifications Scotland: 0345 279 1000. SDS: 0808 100 8000.

If you have questions after receiving your results, contact your school or college first, use the helplines above, or visit the Qualifications Scotland learner hub for further guidance.