Exam Results Helpline

Thousands of anxious teenagers all over Scotland will receive their Standard and Higher Grade results via text, email or by post on Wednesday 5 August 2009.

For those who don't get the results they had been hoping for, help is at hand in the form of a free call to the Careers Scotland Exam Results Helpline on 0808 100 8000.

Helpline advisers will be available from 8am until 8pm on 5 August and from 9am until 5pm daily until 28 August.

Danny Logue, Operations Director of Skills Development Scotland, said:

"This is such an important day for young people in Scotland and we want to ensure that they and their parents get all the advice they need. The message is that if they don't get the results they were hoping for they shouldn't panic. The first step is to call our helpline and speak to someone who can give the information, advice and assistance they need."

He added:

"This can be a very anxious time for students but it also difficult for their parents too. Parents are understandably very concerned about their children's futures, particularly in this current economic climate. In previous years, helpline advisers have spoken to parents who call on behalf of their sons or daughters who were too upset to make the initial approach."

The freephone helpline is staffed by more than 80 careers advisers who have the latest information on UCAS course vacancies at colleges and universities across the UK. The UCAS clearing system matches students with available places and advisers have the most up to date information to help people make the right career choices.

Changes in the UCAS system this year include clearing going to an electronic system and a 'period of adjustment' for those who get better grades than anticipated. This means those students can take up to five days to look around for another place.

The helpline also provides advice about employment and training opportunities, exam re-sits, taking a gap year as well as other post school options.

Further information is also available on the Careers Scotland website.