Exams 2025: What to expect on results day
What do the different grades mean?
In general terms, passing grades are regarded as an A, B or C, with the required overall percentage for each one nominally being 70 percent, 60 percent and 50 percent respectively.
Students scoring 40-49 percent overall receive a D grade. This is not counted as part of the overall pass rate statistic, nor is it generally considered to be a pass by colleges or universities, but the SQA states that it means students have been 'awarded the course'.
Those scoring less than 40 percent receive No Award.
However, the specific grade boundaries vary slightly between subjects and from one year to the next. For example, in 2024, 48 percent was enough to achieve a C for Higher English, while 65 percent was the threshold for an A in Higher Media. These changes happen to adjust for small variations in the difficulty of exam papers.
Certificates will also show the 'SCQF Level' of all awards. This relates to a course's placement on the SCQF framework for qualifications.
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Exam results: How does the SQA decide my grades?
SQA rejects up to 90 percent of student bereavement appeals
What if the SQA's exam appeals system is just a sham?
What do students don't get what they wanted?
Students are able to use the system that the SQA refers to as an 'appeal', but should understand that, unlike in the past, this does not allow them to have alternative evidence considered.
Exam appeals are now strictly administrative, with a senior marker looking over a students' paper to ensure that, for example, all of the awarded marks have been added up correctly. The SQA is clear that this service does not include a remark of the paper itself.
Students whose exam performance has been affected by issues outwith their control, such as a health problem or a bereavement, are able to request consideration under the Exam Exceptional Circumstances Consideration Service, but applications must be submitted soon after the exam itself and cannot be completed after results have been issued.
For those whose results don't match their expectations, a dedicated Results Helpline will be operated by Skills Development Scotland from 8am on results day. It offers support from a team of qualified careers advisers who can help young people consider their options. The number for the helpline is 0808 100 8000.
The NSPCC is also reminding students and families about the support available from Childline, which is available for 'any young person who may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious or just needs someone to talk to.' Young people can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or via 1-2-1 chat on www.childline.org.uk .
Those hoping to attend university but who do not yet have an offer can also make use of the UCAS Clearing service.
When will we know what the national picture looks like?
While individual results are issued to students, national data is published by the SQA on its website.
This includes information such as overall pass rates and attainment gaps for National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher, as well as more detailed breakdowns for specific subjects. Information about grade boundaries is also made available.
The release also includes data on non-exam courses including National 4 and National Progression Awards.
The Herald will bring you analysis of this data throughout results day.
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