Pass rate drops as Scottish students receive their exam results
More than three quarters of students still received A-C grades
Last updated 8th Aug 2023
The pass rate for students sitting Scotland's Higher exams is down from last year but remains above 2019 levels, as more than 140,000 pupils receive their results.
Figures from the Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) show attainment of A to C grades was 77.1%.
It had been 79.8% in 2022, 87.3% in 2021, 89.3% in 2020 and 74.8% in 2019.
There was a similar trend at Advanced Higher level, with those attaining A to C grades at 79.8%, down from 81.3% in 2022, 90.2% in 2021 and 93.1% in 2020. The pass rate was 79.4% in 2019.
For National 5 qualifications, the pass rate was 78.8%, down from 80.8% in 2022. It was 85.8% in 2021 and 78.2% in 2019.
'Sensitive' approach to marking
SQA chief executive Fiona Robertson said: "Our warmest congratulations to the 140,000 learners receiving their certificates today. They should be proud of their achievements.
"Learners can be confident that the qualifications that they have earned - by demonstrating their knowledge and skills - provide a solid foundation for the next stage in their learning, training or employment. We wish them all continued success."
She added: "Our sensitive approach to awarding this year was developed with and supported by the education community.
"It has given learners the best chance of performing to the best of their abilities.
"Together, we have delivered fairness for all learners while maintaining national standards and the credibility of our qualifications in Scotland and beyond - and learners can have confidence in their grades."
What happens on results day?
Learners get a copy of their grades in an envelope posted to their home address.
Candidates with an SQA account will also get their results by email or text from 8.00am.
What if I don't get the results I want?
Skills Development Scotland has a special results helpline where more than 30 members of staff will be on hand to answer any queries from pupils or parents.
They can also offer career advice and help people decide what to do next whether they choose to go to university, college or work.
Sharon McIntyre, Head of Career Information, Advice and Guidance Operations at the national skills agency, added: “It’s important to reassure people that no matter what their results are, our advisers are there to provide expert advice on the breadth of options open to them.
“Approximately 80% of all calls come in on the first two days of the helpline, hence the reason we have expanded hours for those first couple of days.
“But even after the Results Helpline closes, people of all ages can still get great advice anytime from our careers advisers across the country, in school or through our local centres and community venues, as well as online at My World of Work.
"The number to call after the helpline closes is 0800 917 8000.”
Can I get into university through clearing?
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) offers people the chance to apply to university or college through its clearing service.
Learners can look at the website, check out what courses are available and contact the university to ask if they can get a last minute space on the course.
Courtney Sheppard from UCAS said: "Treat that conversation like a mini interview.
"You might be asked why you want to study there, what your interests are and what your ambitions are.
"The person on the other end of the phone will be able to see your application with your grades and if they are willing to accept you then they can make you an offer there and then."
The clearing service allows people to make an application to as many universities or colleges as they want.
What other career paths can I take?
18-year-old Owen McCarrey is a school leaver from Johnstone High School in Renfrewshire, who will be starting a graduate apprenticeship this year.
He said: “If your results don’t go your way, something will always work out, in my opinion.
“I would definitely encourage people to pursue graduate apprenticeships, especially if you’re looking for a bit of practical and theory-based work.
“Going to university or college isn’t necessarily what you need to go and do, it’s about what makes you happy too.”
Calls to highlight alternative options
Owen added that after everything his peers went through during the pandemic, alternatives to university should be highlighted.
He said: “Because of Covid-19, everyone in my age bracket lost the chance at doing work experience, almost all of us.
“Now that I’m getting the opportunity to take this route, and get experience in a high-quality working environment, it works better for me.
“During the pandemic, when people were coming back from isolation for a year, we were lacking guidance when we had to go out into the world and find jobs.
“I think it needs to be better known to our age bracket that there’s more than just university, college or work – there’s something for everybody.
“It could be more integrated into the teaching part of school, whether that’s through signposting or speakers, and I think we could be taught more about life skills too, as I think that’s something we lacked.”