If you know any young people between 15 and 18, chances are you already know that today is a BIG day, as SQA exam results are nervously opened across the Kingdom.

The tension was heightened at Waid Academy this morning though as group of pupils opened their results live on Good Morning Britain, as their parents and carers looked on anxiously.

Cllr Cara Hilton, Fife Council Spokesperson for Education said: ":I’d like to congratulate all those who received their SQA results today, regardless of the grades they received. The hard work and dedication put into their studies by so many young people needs to be acknowledged. It is wonderful to see our young people so confident, with great skills and such a wide range of achievements but today is a day for congratulating them on the results they have achieved.

" I would also like to thank the staff who supported them with such professionalism, and of course the parents and carers who have supported the studying and revision over the last few months."

Results for National 5s, Higher and Advance Highers have been released this morning and it’s a generally positive picture in Fife.

• The total number of presentations at National 5 increased in 2024, compared with previous years.
• The grade A pass rate was maintained in comparison with last year. The pass rate for grade A in 2024 was 31.3%. This is broadly in line with the grade A pass rate in 2023 (31.8%).
• There were 21,431 entries at National 5 this year, compared with 18,432 in 2021 and 20,802 in 2023.
• Presentations for Highers increased in comparison with the two preceding years.
• A-C pass rates and A-D award rates have fallen by approximately 2% in comparison with 2023.

Maria Lloyd, Head of Education, said: “The results we are seeing in Fife don’t happen without a huge amount of hard work from the students, but also from the staff who I know go above and beyond to give our young people every opportunity to shine. Thanks must also go to the parents and carers who have supported their children through the studying and the stress, your contribution can’ t be overstated.

“For anyone who hasn’t got the results today which they were hoping for, please, do not panic. There are so many ways to reach your preferred career path and there’s so much support available to help you do that.

“You can request an appeal if you feel there may have been an error in your National 5, Higher or Advanced Higher grade. If you have any questions about your results, or are considering submitting an appeal, please speak to your school in the first instance. “

Full information about Appeals for 2024 is available on the SQA website. This service opened at 9am on results day and is free and available to all.

Waid Academy Headteacher Scott Duncan, praised his pupils saying : “ I’m extremely proud of all the young people and I want to thank them, their parents, and of course our staff for all their hard work over the year.

“There have been changes this year in the way young people have been assessed, with the reintroduction of coursework, so it has been important for us to prepare the students the best we can for all aspects of the course.

"The results we've seen here today have been fantastic but for anyone who's worried about their results and what to do now there's plenty of help available. Just get in touch with the school or speak to Skills Development Scotland."

The SDS helpline is open now on 0808 100 8000