SQA exam results day 2024 advice from Alness Academy pupil: ‘These results do not define you’

AS SQA exam results start to drop through letterboxes, a Scottish Youth Parliament representative has shared a message to his peers, reminding them “these results do not define who you are”.

Around 145,000 pupils across Scotland are set to receive their high school exam results today from the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), arriving digitally from 8am onwards or in the post.

Jamie Dickson, Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament and Alness Academy pupil, shared some thoughts with his peers.

He said: “Results day can be really stressful for lots of people, especially if you don't get the results you wanted. It is extremely important to remember that these results do not define who you are — although they can help you in life, there are always ways to work around it.

“It’s important that if you are frustrated, anxious or angry after your results come through the post, that you talk to someone about how you are feeling.

“It is very important to look after your mental health and wellbeing during this time, as it is really stressful. Talk to someone you trust, and don't let feelings build up inside you.

“Never feel pressured to share your results with anyone if they ask you too.”

NSPCC have also provided their advice for managing results day.

Advice from NSPCC for young people who may not achieved the results they wanted, is:

• Ask a teacher, careers advisor or any adult you trust what they think and discuss your options and how you are feeling.

• Remind yourself of what you did well in whether that be specific pieces of coursework, or other parts of your life.

• Don’t compare yourself to your friends.

• If you do not feel your grade reflects your ability speak to your school about making an appeal.

• Look at other courses or training programmes and apprenticeships that you can do.

• If you haven’t got a place at your chosen university, try not to worry as there is a chance you could get a place at another university through the clearing process.

• Take a gap year and do something different like volunteering.

• Look at different courses that you can do with the grades you have achieved.

Advice from NSPCC for parents and carers is:

• Your child may find it hard to talk to you about their results so be patient and supportive until they feel ready to talk about how they feel.

• Encourage your child to take their time to think about what they want to do next. There’s no need to rush into a decision straightaway.

• Help them think about their choices by writing down a list of pros and cons for each of their options

• If they are finding it hard to talk to you, let them know they can contact Childline for free, confidential support and advice on 0800 1111 or www.childline.org.uk

The SQA’s candidate advice line will also be open from 8am to 6pm on August 6, as well as guidance staff at schools being on hand for help.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.