The short version
- More than 148,000 students across Scotland received their National, Higher, and Advanced Higher exam results on Tuesday morning.
- The distribution marks the first major results release under Qualifications Scotland, which replaced the SQA following previous controversies.
- Data indicates that the educational attainment gap between Scotland's richest and poorest students has widened since the pandemic.
Over 148,000 individuals across Scotland received their academic results on Tuesday morning, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s education calendar. The grades for Nationals, Highers, Advanced Highers, and various vocational awards were issued starting at 08:00 local time. This year’s distribution is notable not only for its scale but also because it represents the first major release under Qualifications Scotland, the new body that assumed responsibility from the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) after a series of controversies in recent years.
The cohort includes more than 131,000 learners who sat exams in over 460 schools, colleges, and training centers. Additionally, approximately 17,000 candidates received results for vocational courses such as National Progression Awards, Skills for Work Awards, and National Certificates. While traditional first-class post remains an option for all recipients, a significant portion of students opted for digital delivery. Text messages and emails were dispatched to the 67,000 candidates who had activated their My Qualifications Scotland accounts, allowing for immediate access to grades.
Grading structures vary depending on the level of qualification. Courses at National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher levels are graded on a scale from A to D. In contrast, National 2, 3, and 4 courses do not use letter grades; instead, units within these courses are assessed as either pass or fail. The specific grade boundaries for 2026 were not published prior to results day, though the qualifications body typically sets initial benchmarks at 50% for a C, 70% for an A, and 85% for an Upper A. These figures serve as starting points, with final boundaries determined during meetings in June and July after marking is completed.
Students scoring below 40% generally receive no award, while those achieving between 40% and 49% typically receive a grade D. Recent trends show an increase in the number of pupils achieving A, B, or C grades at National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher levels. For instance, the percentage of students securing these top three grades at National 5 rose from 77.2% in 2024 to 78.4% in 2025. Similar increases were observed for Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications, suggesting a general upward trajectory in high-grade attainment.
Despite these positive trends in overall grade distribution, significant disparities persist within the system. Figures released earlier this year highlighted that the attainment gap between Scotland’s wealthiest and poorest school pupils remains wider than it was before the pandemic. This divergence raises questions about equity in educational outcomes and the effectiveness of current support mechanisms for disadvantaged students. The widening gap underscores the complex challenges facing the education sector as it navigates post-pandemic recovery.
To assist students navigating their results, multiple support channels were activated on Tuesday. Qualifications Scotland’s learner support hub opened at 08:00 and remained available until 18:00, with extended hours scheduled for the following days. Guidance staff at individual schools also provided on-site assistance. For those who did not meet conditional offers for university or college, the Ucas clearing process remains an option to fill vacant places. Additionally, Skills Development Scotland operated an advice line offering guidance on apprenticeships, jobs, volunteering, and staying in school.
Students dissatisfied with their grades have several avenues for recourse. Initial steps involve consulting with school or college staff, who can contact the exam board on behalf of the student to request a review. Individuals may also submit direct appeals, which are subject to a marking review to ensure accuracy and adherence to national standards. Priority appeals, relevant for those with conditional university places or employment dependencies, must be submitted by August 11. Standard appeals have a deadline of August 25, while institutions lodging appeals on behalf of students face deadlines of August 20 for priority cases and August 28 for others.
As the immediate results day concludes, attention shifts to the broader implications of this year’s outcomes. The transition to Qualifications Scotland aims to restore confidence in the examination system, but the persistence of socioeconomic disparities suggests that structural issues remain unresolved. Stakeholders will likely monitor how these new administrative structures address long-standing inequalities while maintaining academic standards. The coming months will provide further data on whether these changes lead to more equitable educational opportunities for all Scottish students.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗Scottish exam results day 2026: What time will grades come out?
