Whatever your young person's results, they can go on to achieve great things. All they need is the right support and encouragement.
We've got some tips on how you can help. If they're not ready to make any decisions, that's okay. We've also got resources to support their wellbeing, which is just as important.
1. Don't rush any decisions
The most important thing is not to rush anything. Encourage them to take time to process their emotions and think about what they want to do next. My World of Work has advice to help them think about their next steps.
They can talk to an expert Skills Development Scotland (SDS) careers adviser about their options using our Results helpline when it opens on 4 August 2026.
But at any time of the year they can speak to a careers adviser and talk about their options by:
- calling 0800 917 8000, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
- speaking to a careers adviser if they're at school
- making a free phone appointment to speak to a careers adviser at a time that suits them – they just need to sign in or create an account. Note: They must be 16 or over.
- contacting a local careers centre
- calling Contact Scotland if they're a British Sign Language user
If they haven't done as well as they'd hoped, they might have feelings of failure or letting themselves or you down. But this is a chance for them to learn valuable life lessons about bouncing back from disappointment.
2. Let them take control
Resist the temptation to take the lead. Instead, encourage and support your young person to research their own options. If they feel disappointed and worried, it can be good for them to feel they’re working towards a solution.
Encourage them to call and speak to the university or college admissions teams. They could make a list of questions to ask, so they feel prepared, and you could sit with them while they call.
3. Talk about Clearing
Clearing is how colleges and universities fill any places they still have on their courses. If your young person doesn’t get into their chosen courses, they can usually apply for a Clearing place on the college or university’s own website.
They can learn more about Clearing on the UCAS site – there’s a Clearing toolkit for parents, too.
They may be tempted to go for the first thing they see because it’s available and they have the grades. Support them to look at a variety of options and consider doing something they enjoy.
4. Look into appeals
If your young person has concerns about a grade (or grades) on their results certificate, you can use the free Qualifications Scotland appeals service.
Find out more about the appeals process on the Qualifications Scotland website
5. Consider resits
Resitting exams in S5 or S6 can be an option and, having already done the course, your young person will have a good idea of what’s required.
They might be able to resit Highers at college if they'd prefer a fresh start. It’s usually a limited number of subjects and some may be evening classes – check with the college for details.
Some universities and competitive subjects may prioritise students sitting their exams for the first time when offering places. Check with the university whether this will be an issue before they decide on this option.
6. Show them more options
Reassure your young person that they still have many options open to them. There are likely lots of routes into the career they want. Have a think about:
- college courses that lead to university
- Foundation Apprenticeships if they're going into S5 or S6
- Modern Apprenticeships or Graduate Apprenticeships
You can learn more about apprenticeship options on Apprenticeships.scot.
