Hundreds of Glasgow pupils prepare for exam results

For many it will be a time of celebration but for others, disappointment could be on the cards.

Connor Quinn, who failed one of his Highers, said he was “very disappointed” when he received his results at school.

“Spending an extra year at home when all my friends were going off to university wasn’t what I had planned for my life, so I immediately started thinking about my next steps,” he said.

“Friends who had been in the same position advised me to take up a course at college so I could make up my grades.”

After completing a shipbuilding course at City of Glasgow College, Connor - who is from Cambuslang - applied for the BAE Systems apprenticeship scheme. 

“Unfortunately, I didn’t make the cut, so when I finished college, I went straight to Glasgow Caledonian University for an undergraduate degree in electrical power engineering and I worked at a local engineering company to gain more experience,” he said. “I then reapplied and got a place. I’m now Change Manager. I learned so much.”

Chartered health psychologist Dr Jan Smith, who lectures at Glasgow Caledonian University, says the main message to young people receiving their results is “don’t panic.”

Dr Jan Smith, a psychologist from Glasgow (Image: Glasgow Caledonian University)

“Even if you do not get the results you were expecting, there are always other options available to you,” says Dr Smith.

“There is plenty of support out there. Contact your school careers adviser or speak to the support teams that are on hand at universities and colleges - I know that here at Glasgow Caledonian University, for example, we have a helpline and website portal available for regular updates on vacancies for courses.

“And in fact, clearing often provides an opportunity to go for a course or subject you had not previously thought of, so it can be a positive experience.”

Dr Smith says parents and carers also have an important part to play on results day.

The exam results will be delivered today (August 8) (Image: Newsquest)

She adds: “Take a deep breath, and approach things one step at a time - it’s important to acknowledge the stress your child is going through.

“Encourage them not to bottle things up and to reach out for help. They will not be alone, many other young people will be going through something similar.

“We are all on different paths. Sometimes, you have to take more of a scenic route to get there, and that is absolutely fine.”

Pupils, parents and carers will be able to get support with their results through a dedicated helpline offering impartial career advice set up by Skills Development Scotland (SDS).

The SDS Results Helpline on 0808 100 8000 will be staffed by more than 30 expert careers advisers from across Scotland, and will be live from 8am on August 8, for four days.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “Results day can be a very emotional one for pupils, parents and carers, so the opportunity to speak directly with someone who can offer impartial, expert advice on your options can be really valuable.”

Specially trained counsellors will also be on hand at Childline Scotland.

Adeniyi Alade, from the charity, said: "We know that results day can be a really stressful time for young people and it is vital they feel supported and listened to.

“Often, they have high expectations for themselves, or they feel their family is putting them under pressure to perform well.

“Some young people think their whole future depends on these results and this is their last chance. But it is important they know there are many options.

“If any young person is feeling apprehensive and worried about their results, I’d urge them to talk to someone about it.”

Young people under the age of 19 can get free, confidential support and advice from Childline at www.childline.org.uk or by calling 0800 1111 for free.