SQA exam dates 2025: timetables and key information

In spring, thousands of secondary school students in Scotland will be sitting Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) exams in each of the three final years of school: S4, S5 and S6.

But when are the exams? And will they be similar to the 2024 SQA exams?

Tes has produced a handy guide that includes everything from when exams will take place to how they will be assessed this year.

When are the SQA exams in 2025?

The 2025 SQA exam diet starts on Monday 28 April and finishes on Friday 30 May. SQA results day will be on Tuesday 5 August.

Below we’ve listed the start and end date for each of the three sets of exams - National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher - plus when the English and maths papers will be sat.

National 5 exam dates 2025

The National 5 exams start on Monday 28 April, with the media and Urdu papers the first to be sat. National 5 exams finish on Friday 30 May. Here are the dates for the English and maths exams:

Tuesday 6 May

• National 5 English - Reading for understanding, analysis and evaluation
• National 5 English - Critical reading

Wednesday 14 May

• National 5 maths - Paper 1 (non-calculator)
• National 5 maths - Paper 2

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Scottish Higher exam dates 2025

The Scottish Higher exams start on Monday 28 April, with music and Urdu. They finish on Friday 30 May. Here are the dates for the English and maths exams:

Wednesday 7 May

• Higher English - Reading for understanding, analysis and evaluation
• Higher English - Critical reading

Monday 12 May

• Higher maths - Paper 1 (non-calculator)
• Higher maths - Paper 2

Advanced Higher exam dates 2025

The Advanced Higher exams start on Monday 28 April, with the music paper the first to be sat. They finish on Friday 30 May. Here are the dates for the English and maths exams:

Tuesday 6 May

• Advanced Higher English - Literary study
• Advanced Higher English - Textual analysis

Monday 12 May

• Advanced Higher maths - Paper 1 (non-calculator)
• Advanced Higher maths - Paper 2

Find a full timetable of SQA exams for 2025 here.

What happens if a student misses an exam?

Some students will be able to apply to the Examination Exceptional Circumstances Consideration Service (EECCS) if they are unable to attend an exam or believe their performance was affected by a personal circumstance or an unplanned incident on the day beyond their control.

This might involve a medical condition or bereavement, or a disruption to the exam that is reported by the chief invigilator.

This year, the EECCS will open on 28 April 2025; the closing date is 10 working days after the exam for which each request is made.

Find out more about exceptional circumstances on the SQA website.

What adjustments can be made for disabled students?

Schools can organise assessment adjustments for disabled learners and those with additional support needs.

The setting will need to submit a request online and arrangements can be made for learners to have adapted or digital papers, reading or writing assistance, environment and timing adjustments, among other arrangements.

Find out more about assessment arrangements on the SQA website.

How can schools help students with SQA revision?

Find the latest revision strategies, research and best practice on our dedicated revision hub.

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