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First Qualifications Scotland exams get underway

Published

Exams begin this week for tens of thousands of learners across Scotland, marking a historic milestone as Qualifications Scotland oversees its first exams.

Learners will sit exams for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses, with the first scheduled exams – Environmental Science, and Spanish — taking place on Wednesday 22 April. Exams conclude on Monday 1 June with Urdu, and Latin, with Tuesday 2 June held as a contingency day.

Key facts

  • More than 131,600 learners will sit exams in schools and colleges across Scotland.

  • Over 8,400 invigilators will supervise exams delivered in over 460 centres.

  • More than 800,000 exam scripts will be marked by over 7,590 markers.

  • In total, more than 148,700 learners are expected to receive their results on Tuesday 4 August by text and/or email through My Qualifications Scotland or by post.

Learners across the country will sit exams across a wide range of subjects from Accounting, Administration and IT, and Applications of Mathematics to Psychology, Sociology, and Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies.

Many learners will also be in the final stages of completing National 1 to National 4 qualifications, SQA Awards, Skills for Work courses, National Progression Awards and National Certificates — all continually assessed throughout the year.

Nick Page, Chief Executive of Qualifications Scotland, said:

“This is a landmark moment for Qualifications Scotland — our first set of exams — and I want to begin by wishing everyone the very best as they sit their exams and complete assessments in schools, colleges and training venues across the country over the coming weeks. I also want to thank all teachers, lecturers and training providers for their dedication in supporting learners to reach this important milestone. I'm deeply grateful too to the many thousands who work with us to set, invigilate and mark exams and assessments. Teachers, lecturers, and training providers are at the heart of delivering our qualifications and will play an even stronger role in the work of Qualifications Scotland going forward.”

Donna Stewart, Chief Qualifications and Examinations Officer, said:

“As learners across Scotland prepare for upcoming exams and ongoing assessments, we recognise the commitment and effort you have shown throughout the year. We also extend our sincere thanks to the families, educators, and supporters who have guided and encouraged learners at every stage. Assessment is only one part of a lifelong learning journey, and each step helps build the skills and confidence needed for the future. We are proud to support you and wish you every success in the weeks ahead.”

Support for learners

Qualifications Scotland offers a comprehensive range of support to help learners through the exam period. The Your Exams guide provides practical advice on what to expect before, during and after exams, from what to bring on the day to understanding the appeals process.

Further resources include:

  • Revision materials and past papers, to help learners prepare with confidence.

  • The MyStudyPlan app, available from Google Play and the App Store, to help learners organise their revision.

  • An exceptional circumstances service for learners who are unable to sit an exam or are affected by personal difficulties.

  • A free, direct appeals service, available after Results Day, for any learner who wishes to request a review of their marked exam.

Results Day — Tuesday 4 August

All learners will receive their results by post. Learners can also register for a My Qualifications Scotland account to receive results by text and/or email on Results Day.

Registration is open at my.qualifications.gov.scot and must be completed by 17:00 on Wednesday 15 July. Learners will need their Scottish Candidate Number to register.