And the message from South Lanarkshire Council is clear – regardless of whether or not the results are what you expected, support and help is available.

Chair of the council’s Education Resources Committee, Councillor Lynsey Hamilton, said: “Congratulations to all our young people who I know have been working extremely hard in the lead up to this day.

“It is also important to say that traditional exam results are only one part of the Senior Phase of secondary education, and to note that our staff in our schools do a great job in supporting young people to develop their skills for learning, life and work and vocational training and experiences.

“During S4 to S6, many young people achieve success by gaining qualifications in other areas which provide entry to work, modern apprenticeships, further education and training courses which are all designed to provide them with opportunities to progress and these are also personal achievements to be celebrated.

“Where a young person may not have received the grades or qualifications they set out to achieve, it is only natural that they will be disappointed.  However, if this is the case, I would wish to reassure them that support and guidance is on hand to help them either at their school or by contacting Skills Development Scotland.”

Carole McKenzie, Executive Director of Education, said: “I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute our young people who have received the grades and qualifications they set out to achieve. This has come about through hard work and endeavour and many months and years of study and with the support of our staff from across all of our secondary schools.

“Given the impact of the pandemic on this cohort of pupils who saw their educational journey interrupted they deserve enormous credit for the resilience they have shown.

“I am pleased to say that early indications are that overall results are positive.  It is a day when we should take time to acknowledge that our young people are our future and I wish them every success.”

Pictured above are pupils from Hamilton Grammar, who received their results this morning. Some of them were interviewed live on BBC Breakfast, as well as on radio.

Help and guidance

Anyone looking for help, guidance or support can contact their school in the first instance. Further information is also available through Skills Development Scotland on 0808 100 8000 or myworldofwork.co.uk.