Return of exam helpline welcomed as results day looms

A special helpline with unique access to university and college places and more will be up and running when pupils receive exam results next week.

MSP Gil Paterson has welcomed the move by Skills Development Scotland that will see the annual Exam Results Helpline assist pupils.

A round 139,000 young people in Scotland will receive their National, Higher, Advanced Higher and Scottish Baccalaureate results on Tuesday August 8.

Qualified careers advisers will be on hand to help young people who may not have received the results they were hoping for or who have done better than they expected.

The skilled professionals will have unique access to information on UCAS course vacancies at UK colleges and universities, confirmation and clearing, advice about Modern and Foundation Apprenticeships and employment or volunteering.

Mr Paterson said: “This hotline is a very beneficial asset for pupils and parents alike, as they receive their exam results. I know fine well there will be much excitement, anxiety and nerves at play as these results come in. The resource from Skills Development Scotland provides some excellent access to places in college and university that will be very helpful. I commend SDS for setting this line up again.”

This is the 25th year of the free Helpline which offers advice, information and support for young people and their parents, who make a third of all calls.

The Helpline will be open from 8am until 8pm on 8 and 9 August and from 9am until 5pm from 10 until 16 August. The number to call is 0808 100 8000.

ENDS

Press release from Gil Paterson MSP by Alan Ferguson (07342 061722)

Post-results information for pupils and parents is also available at myworldofwork.co.uk. There’s also information about Modern Apprenticeships and Foundation Apprenticeships, at apprenticeships.scot. Foundation Apprenticeships help young people gain valuable, real-world work experience and access work-based learning while they are still at school.

Students can also access help, advice and support via My World of Work's Facebook page which has practical help and links to UCAS, SAAS, Young Scot and the SQA.