On Tuesday, August 5, 2025, approximately 147,000 pupils across Scotland will receive their much-anticipated exam results from the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). You’ll get certificates for your National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses. These certifications are evaluated on an A to D scale. The SQA has set the preliminary grade boundaries. 50% = C, 70% = A, 85% = Upper A.
The release of results will be done through press conferences, media briefings, and report downloads. Students are posted their results by first-class post, although over half have chosen to be informed electronically through email or text. Those who have activated their MySQA accounts will receive text messages and emails starting from 08:00 on results day.
In 2024, the SQA had to deal with a record number of appeals, with 44,855 of the 552,695 certificated grades contested. This trend highlights the need for shippers to be informed about how grading works and what happens when an appeal is filed. Overall, 3,990 requests for appeals resulted in an improved grade, and five requests were appealed to a worse grade. The authority has established deadlines for schools and colleges wishing to lodge appeals: August 21 for priority cases and August 29 for all other requests.
In a separate report on trends in attainment levels, the SQA has been alarmed to discover some, apparently shocking, trends. The proportion of Higher students getting grades A-C fell from 77.1% in 2023 to 74.9% in 2024. Yet, the A-C attainment in National 5 exams dropped from 78.8% to 77.2% over the same period. These negative trends are troubling not only in terms of educational outcomes, but in terms of continuity from year to year.
Unlike National 2, National 3, and National 4 courses, National 1 courses have a unique assessment structure. It’s important to be aware of this distinction. What is unique about these units is that they are not graded, but assessed on a pass or fail basis. This nuance can help explain differences in performance measures.
The SQA acknowledged that since 2019, differing approaches to awarding have complicated the ability to draw meaningful conclusions regarding changes in educational performance. Each stakeholder in our education system needs to consider these complexities. That’s key when they decide what to do with this year’s results.
For candidates falling short of 40%, it’s time to accept that you’re not going to get a nationally traveled course. Instead, at best, they will receive a “no award” outcome. This negative outcome can have lifelong effects on a student’s educational trajectory and increased opportunities in the future.
As students get ready to collect their results they need to take a deep breath. They must be willing to ask for help from their teachers, their families, and their friends. Understanding the appeal process and knowing how to effectively address concerns regarding grades can empower students during this pivotal moment.
