SCHOOL pupils who fail to get the grades they are looking for when exam results are delivered today have been told they still have a “huge range” of options available to them.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney promised support would be available to young people when their Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) exam certificates drop through their doors this morning.

Speaking at the launch of a free national helpline set up by Skills Development Scotland (SDS) to give the teenagers and parents advice, Mr Swinney said: “Receiving your results can be exciting, scary and worrying all at the same time, and it’s important we recognise this and make sure our young people have the right support available to them, to make the best decisions about their future.

“Moving on from school is an important and exciting step for young people. It’s vital they know what their real options are and how to access them.

“This free helpline is an excellent service which is staffed by fully qualified and experienced careers advisers who will be able to help young people and their parents answer any questions about the choices going forward.”

The Education Secretary added: “If you get the results you are looking for, then that is fantastic. If you do better than expected or don’t get the grades you need this time round, then be certain that there are a huge number of options for you to consider and there are a number of people available to support you.

“Whatever happens when the results come in tomorrow, remember that it will be a beginning, rather than an end point and if you are not sure or are looking for some advice then please do use this free helpline.”

Mr Swinney was joined by SDS acting director of operations James Russell at the launch in Glasgow, who said pupils should not panic when their results arrive.

He said: “Everything might seem overwhelming at that point. Our experienced advisers are there to help and have information on all the options and opportunities young people can consider.”

National Parent Forum of Scotland chairwoman Joanna Murphy added that the phone line would offer a calm voice on what could be a traumatic day: She said: “I know from my own experiences the SDS Exam Results Helpline is a real life line.

“It offers young people and their parents and carers the chance to talk to someone who is impartial, which helps you to step back and take stock.

“Whether you’ve had unexpected results, or just want to talk over your choices, the advisers can talk you through the wide range of options available to you.

“A calm conversation takes some of the heat out of the emotion of the day, and reminds young people no matter the results, there is always a next step.”

Special Royal Mail planning teams have been working for many months with the SQA to ensure pupils get the results on time, with around 136,500 certificates expected to be delivered across Scotland.

Derek Keir, Royal Mail’s head of special events planning, said: “This is a massive day for every pupil in Scotland, waiting for their results. All of our postmen and women, many of whom have children themselves, understand just how important this day is for families. Our people pull out all the stops to ensure the results are delivered as quickly and efficiently as possible.

“Royal Mail is used to handling large mailings, having recently delivered all of the postal votes and poll cards for the general election this year.

“We have worked successfully with the SQA on exam result delivery for many years now and We are delighted to be playing our part in this special day once again.”

Students are urged to call the Hotline for advice and options on 0800 917 8000.