SCOTLAND'S education secretary has moved to reassure pupils their results are "fair" and "credible" following a post-lockdown return to formal exams.

Thousands of pupils across the country will find out on Tuesday how they have fared in their National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications.

But, despite the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) saying exams have been graded "generously" following two years of disruption, it is expected that pass marks will have fallen on last year's figures.

Speaking at Skills Development Scotland's Glasgow headquarters on Monday, Shirley-Anne Somerville said: "The important thing for young people to know is that as we went through the last academic year various parts of the education system have been taking into account the levels of disruption.

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"So whether that's changes to courses or looking at exam results, the SQA has been taking account of how that disruption has impacted on exams.

"Yes, it's been very different over the past couple of years with an entirely different assessment model but every young person whether they got their results last year or whether they are getting them this year with a return to exams, can be absolutely reassured that they are fair, credible and there are a lot of opportunities out there.

"As they are building up to results day they can know and be assured there are real opportunities out there no matter what those results are."  

This year's exams were the first full set of sittings to go ahead since the start of the pandemic.

Instead of formal exams, 2020 and 2021 saw grades awarded based on teacher judgement and in-class assessments. 

Concerns have been raised that pass rates and grades will drop this year as compared to last year's teacher-awarded marks. 

Meanwhile, the further education minister has called for school leavers to look at college as a first-choice destination.

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Jamie Hepburn said: “Scotland’s colleges offer incredible opportunities for young people looking to acquire the new skills needed for today’s workforce.

“Other students might be looking to improve their results and then move on to a higher level of study in college or onto university. 

"Colleges across the country also offer outstanding training for increasing numbers of apprentices."

Somerville backed her colleague's call and urged young people to "take a little time" to work out the right next step for them.

She added: "I went to university and it was a fantastic experience but I know from all the colleges I go to there are fantastic opportunities for our young people that they are maybe not aware of and they don't know the depth of course choices that are out there and the myriad opportunities for careers that weren't there when I was going through the system.

"The important thing for young people to know is there's no right or wrong on this, do what's right for you. 

"So yes, it might be university, it might be college, it might be straight into a job. 

"Take a little time, celebrate your results if you can, but know that you should have a real myriad of opportunities out there and find the right one for you."

SQA's Candidate Advice Line will be available on results day from 8am to 6pm, then August 10 to August 16, except weekends, from 8.30am to 5pm.

Call 0345 279 1000 for the SQA and Skills Development Scotland can be contacted on 0808 100 8000 and will be open from 8am to 8pm on August 9 and 10.

It will be open 9am to 5pm from August 11 to August 17, excluding weekends. 

More information is available online at sqa.org.uk/ results