Students to receive exam results 'in good time' to allow for University admissions process to take place

The minister for education, Richard Lochhead, issued a statement reassuring students.

Students have been reassured they will have their exam results 'in good time' by the Scottish Government

Scotland’s minister for higher education has written to universities appealing for institutions to match a moratorium on changing offers or entry requirements for students affected by the coronavirus crisis.

In the letter, Richard Lochhead MSP asks Scottish universities to follow the moratorium put in place by the UK Government on offers until 20 April in order to “ensure consistency with English providers”.

Mr Lochhead also offers reassurances to students who have had their exams cancelled due to COVID-19, stating that they will receive exam results “in good time” to allow universities to undertake their admissions process.

Minister for higher education, Richard Lochhead MSP has written to Universities.

He writes: “I am confident institutions will act responsibly and recognise that our shared priority now must be to ensure the stabilisation of the Higher Education admissions system, which is in all of our interests, whilst we collectively respond to the challenges Covid-19 presents.

“However, I feel it’s important to provide some reassurance to our prospective students about the admissions process at what is an extremely worrying time for them.

“I will therefore shortly be issuing a message to reassure applicants that they will receive their exam results in good time for universities to assess qualifications in the usual way; and to remind them that the UCAS May deadlines are being extended by two weeks to give students more time to make decisions about their future.”

Exams across Scotland were cancelled by the Scottish Qualifications Authority on 19 March due to the coronavirus lockdown.

Students hoping to go to university or colleges in September will be judged on a mixture of coursework and mock exam results, rather than be forced to take exams from home.

Mr Lochhead added: “I understand that many students who have applied to university or college this year will be anxious that school exams cannot go ahead as a result of the impact of COVID-19.

“The Scottish Government took this action to prioritise the health and wellbeing of our children, young people and staff.

“While the protection of life remains our utmost priority, I am absolutely clear that we must ensure that the interests and life chances of our young people are protected, and that they will be rewarded for their hard work.

“Despite the disruption, students will quite rightly have their achievements recognised, and gain the qualifications and awards that they deserve after so many years of hard work.

“I am also confident that institutions will act responsibly, and recognise that our shared priority now must be to ensure the stabilisation of the Higher Education admissions system, which is in all of our interests, whilst we respond to the unprecedented challenges COVID-19 presents.”