Exam helpline staff on hand to offer advice on results day

Teenagers will receive their grades for National and Higher exams today.

Skills Development Scotland (SDS) said expert careers advisers will be on hand from 8am to discuss with them their next steps.

Director of career information James Russell said: "If your results aren't what you expected don't panic, you have lots of options.

"Our experienced advisers are here to help you and your parents and carers with information on all the options and opportunities available to you."

Education Secretary John Swinney congratulated pupils on the work they have put in ahead of results day.

He said: "This is an extremely significant time but it is important to remember that this is the start of a journey, not the end.

"If your results are what you hoped for that is great news but if you miss out on the grades you were looking for, or do even better than expected, there is a huge variety of options available to you that the SDS careers advisers are on hand to talk through."

NSPCC Scotland counsellors are also poised to help any young people worried about their results via the Childline service.

The charity said it provided support in 263 cases in 2018-19, up from 196 in 2017-18.

The SDS helpline will be available from 8am to 8pm on Tuesday and Wednesday, and from 9am to 5pm weekdays from Thursday until Wednesday August 14. The number to call is 0808 100 8000.

Childline's free confidential helpline number is 0800 11 11.