It’s normal to feel worried when waiting on your exam results or the outcome of an appeals decision.
It’s OK to feel disappointed, upset or frustrated if the results aren’t as hoped or expected.
But it’s important to remember that your grades don’t define you.
Whatever your results turn out to be, you have options for your future.
Lots of people in interesting jobs haven’t taken a straight or obvious path to get there. There’s no wrong path.
If you don’t get the results you were hoping for and have concerns about one or more of your grades, then you have the right to appeal.
Below we explain what appeals are and also outline the key dates for 2026.
Click here to jump to advice if you are feeling anxious about appeals.
What are appeals?
The appeals process gives you the opportunity to request a review of any grades you have been awarded by Qualifications Scotland.
You can appeal an exam result if it is unexpected or you don’t think it’s a true reflection of your performance.
It’s important to know that after being reviewed, your result could stay the same, go up or go down.
If you have a conditional place at university or college, or for training or employment that depends on your grade, you can request a priority appeal. It is called ‘priority’ because it means that your appeal will be processed faster.
Priority appeals must be validated by your school, college or training provider, so you need to tell them if you have a conditional offer or employment opportunity.
How do appeals work?
This year, the appeals process opens on Tuesday 6 August at 9am.
You can make an appeal yourself or instead ask your learning centre (your school, college or training provider) to do it on your behalf.
If you want to make an appeal yourself, then you would use the Learner Direct Appeals Service – this can be accessed via Qualifications Scotland’s website.
Qualifications Scotland advise that learners should discuss appeals with their teacher, lecturer or another member of staff before submitting one. This is recommended because it is important to make sure an appeal is in your best interests.
key dates to know
Tuesday 4 August 2026
- Results day
- Appeals service opens 9am
Tuesday 11 August 2026 at 11:59pm
- Deadline for you to submit your own priority appeal
Thursday 20 August 2026 at 5pm
- Deadline for your school or college to submit a priority appeal for you
Tuesday 25 August 2026 at 11:59pm
- Deadline for you to submit your own non-priority appeal
Friday 28 August 2026 at 5pm
- Deadline for your school or college to submit a non-priority appeal for you
September 2026
- Qualifications Scotland issues results of priority appeals to learning centres
October 2026
- Qualifications Scotland issues results for non-priority appeals
November 2026
- Replacement certificates issued to learners
Feeling anxious about appeals
It’s natural to feel worried when waiting to hear about the outcome of an appeal decision.
Here are 5 things you can to to help:
- Try not to worry about results when awaiting news of an appeal. Remember that lots of your peers will be feeling the same.
- Social media and the news can make you feel anxious. At this time of year there are lots of stories about exam results. If you find they stress you out then take a break and limit how much you look at them. Remember that you are in control – you can always delete apps or unfollow people if they’re making you feel more anxious.
- Feeling worried about your future? If so, there are organisations in Scotland who can help you plan your next steps – find out more about them here.
- Sharing how you feel helps – it’s better out than in. Talk to someone you trust, for example, a friend, family member, teacher.
- There are also lots of organisations that can provide support when you are . Take a look at a few options below…
Who else can help?
Young Scot have lots of advice about dealing with exam results and have also compiled loads of resources about next steps and people who can help.
If you’re struggling and feeling stressed, then Childline has online 1-to-1 counselling and information to help. You can also call Childline on 0800 1111. If you are deaf you can use SignVideo.
If you need urgent help, then you can text YM to 85258 to contact YoungMinds. Their website also features stories from other young people and has great advice about looking after your mental health.
SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) also has a range of support services. These include a helpline as well as online resources to help you take care of your mental health and wellbeing.
More Info about Anxiety
You can also find out more about anxiety by visiting our All About ASL: Anxiety page.
It has lots more information about the things you can do when you’re feeling anxious.
Find out what anxiety is, how it can affect your learning and what support is available.
More advice
Find out more about the organisations in Scotland that can help you figure out your next steps after leaving school.
Practical information about life after school if you have a disability and/or an additional support need.
Advice if you are someone who accesses extra support but feel unsure about other people knowing.
COMPASS is an online tool that can help you figure out what is important to you when making big changes like leaving school.
Find out about Time to Talk Next Steps, offering free personalised support for young people in Scotland who have additional support needs.