The results are in for Fife's SQA students

Madras SQA 2023

If you have any 15 to 18 year olds in your life you’ll be well aware that today is SQA results day.

While most of Fife’s young people were eagerly awaiting their results via text messaging or through the letterbox, some brave pupils from Madras College were opening their envelopes live on camera in front of local and national media, including a live link to the Good Morning Britain studio.

Headteacher Ken Currie was full of praise for the young people who turned up with their parents this morning. He said: “Apart from sitting the actual exams, this is probably the most stressful thing these young people have ever had to do. I’m so grateful to them and their parents for coming into school to let us all share in the tension and excitement of the day. It was a joy to see their beaming faces as they read the results of their hard work.

“I hope everyone recognises the effort which goes into achieving the results we are seeing today. No matter the outcome of these exams, I see the commitment our young people have to their education and I want to say congratulations to them all. Also to our staff and to their parents, carers and families who have supported them to do this. It is definitely a team effort from all the Madras community. “

Madras SQA

Results from across Fife have been published today on the SQA website. One of the highlights for Fife shows an improvement in A-C passes and A-D awards in stage S4 for National 5.

Maria Lloyd, Head of Education and Children’s Services (Secondary Schools and Specialist Support) said: “There has been an increase in the Nat5 results for last year’s S4 cohort which I’m really pleased with as this shows an ambition from our schools to enter more young people at increased level, although this does mean a shift this year towards the awarding of lower grades.”

“There are many factors involved in these results and we can’t forget the impact of Covid and the subsequent lockdowns, individual isolating, absence and mental health issues associated with the pandemic, created for our children and young people. It’s testament to their hard work and determination and to the dedication of our school staff, that there is only a very small drop in the overall grades.”

Analysis to date has been based on the data returned to Fife by SQA for presentations made by Fife schools and relates to pass rates etc for graded courses at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher. Further analysis is being undertaken to establish a fuller picture of this year’s achievement by all young people, including those gaining awards in ungraded courses, units, such as Skills for Work awards, and National Progression Awards.

Fife Council spokesperson for Education. Cllr Cara Hilton said: “While I want to say well done to all those who got their results today, I also want to reassure anyone who may not have done as well as they thought or hoped they might, that there are still lots of options available to them.”

“SQA, UCAS and SDS (Skills Development Scotland) have a range of advice on their websites, on what to do if you haven’t gained the qualifications you hoped for this time round. There are phone lines you can call for help and support.  But the main thing is to talk to someone if you are anxious, things are never as bad as they seem and there’s always help available.“

SQA candidate advice line: 0345 279 1000

SDS results helpline: 0808 100 8000 - Talk to careers advisers who can offer help with post school options like college/university, apprenticeships, jobs and volunteering.

Receiving results can be an anxious time. If you or someone you know is feeling stressed, worried or overwhelmed, talking to a friend, family member, school staff, teacher or lecturer can be a good first step and make a big difference.

There’s support for learners from:

Or for more general advice on well-being :