This page provides information in connection with the SQA Results service.

This supports candidates when an exceptional circumstance has affected exam performance or when there is concern about a grade.

There are two parts to this service.

 

 

1. Exceptional Circumstances Consideration Service

The Exceptional Circumstances Consideration Service supports candidates who have been unable to attend an exam, or those whose performance in the exam may have been affected by a personal circumstance or unplanned incident on the day, which is outwith their control. This service is available for all exams that appear in the exam timetable.

Who is eligible for the service?

Candidates are eligible for this service if they have:.

• experienced a valid exceptional circumstance
• completed all other parts of the course
• had an estimated grade submitted by their centre

Candidates that sit the exam are still eligible.

We can only progress requests where alternative evidence of attainment is available.

Only the school can submit requests.  The closing date for us to submit a request is 10 working days after the exam for which the request is being made.  It can be helpful if parents or carers can provide written evidence or medical certificate to share details of the circumstances affecting their child.

In session 2022, it is the SQA’s policy that if a candidate sits any part of the external exam it is not possible to submit an exceptional circumstance request. Candidates are in no way disadvantaged by attempting an external exam, but instead will reply on the SQA Appeals process, where we submit the same evidence as we would have done for an EC request.

Please note that exam stress, distraction and loss of concentration are not valid reasons in relation to the results service.

Candidates must provide written consent for the school to submit a results service request (A template can be found here)

https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/79042.html (SQA EC Info page)

 

2. Post-results Services / Appeals

After receiving your results, if you think any of your grades don’t seem right, you may be able to appeal.

If your final grade is lower than the estimate provided to the SQA, you may be able to make an appeal directly to SQA, or through your school, college or training provider.  Before making an appeal, the SQA encourage you to always discuss the discrepancy between your estimated grade and your final grade with your teachers/lecturers or centre staff to determine whether the estimated grade and supporting evidence support an appeals request.

If your appeal request is accepted, SQA will carry out a clerical check of your exam script and assignments. SQA appointees – practising teachers and lecturers – will also review the assessment evidence that your school, college or training provider sends to us to decide your final grade. The final grade might be different to the estimate that your school, college or training provider sends us. In this case, you will be awarded the higher of the two grades based on the two sources of evidence.

An appeal can be prioritised if you have a conditional place at university or college, or in training or employment that depends on your grade. Please confirm with your school, college or training provider if you have a conditional offer as all priority appeals must be validated by your centre.

https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/79049.11314.html (SQA Appeals information page)