SQA results day 2025: everything you need to know

Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) results day is a key moment in the calendar for students, parents and teachers each year.

So, when exactly are these exams taking place, and what other information about this year’s SQAs do schools need to bear in mind? Here’s your handy guide to the upcoming exam period.

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When is SQA results day this year?

SQA results day 2025 is on Tuesday 5 August, including results for National 5, Higher, Advanced Higher and National Progression Awards (better known as NPAs).

How do students receive their results?

Students will receive their Scottish Qualifications Certificate (SQC) by first-class post on Tuesday 5 August.

If they have signed up for the MySQA service, students can receive results for qualifications including National 4, National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher via text and/or email, usually at 8am.

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What should students do if results don’t arrive?

If the post has been delivered but the certificate isn’t there, or they have signed up for MySQA but not received anything, students should contact their school or college for their results.

If the school cannot provide results, they can contact the SQA candidate advice line on 0345 279 1000.

What should students do if results are missing?

If students are missing results from their certificates, or there are results listed that they weren’t expecting to see, they must speak to their teachers or lecturers when they return to school or college.

SQA will only send out an updated certificate once the school or college has provided the necessary information.

Where can students get advice if they are disappointed by their results?

On SQA results day, many students will find out they have not got the grades they need for the plans they had made.

School staff will be able to provide advice while the Skills Development Scotland results helpline can be called on 0808 100 8000.

How does the university clearing process work?

Clearing is the system used by universities and further education colleges to fill any places they still have available on their courses. Clearing is open from 5 July to 20 October 2025 - admissions service Ucas has a guide to clearing for students.

For more on how the process works, see the Tes guide to clearing, which explains what students need to do in order to secure a place using the service.

Can students appeal their results?

Yes, although critics of the current approach say it is not a proper appeals system as past performance - in, for example, prelim exams - is not considered.

Appeals are free of charge and can be made either through schools or colleges, or through the SQA itself using the “learner direct service”, which will open on results day at 9am via the SQA website.

If a grade is appealed, a senior marker will carry out a marking review of the student’s SQA-marked assessments and will check:

• that all sections have been marked
• the marking is in line with the national standard
• the marks have been totalled correctly
• the correct result has been entered in the system

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