Exam letter 2026

Dear Parents and Carers,  

I am writing to share some important information as we move into the final phase of the session for our senior students. This is a key period where completing courses, maintaining attendance and preparing for exams all come together.  We will go over this with pupils in assemblies today. (31st March)  

To support planning at home, we have attached a graphic outlining the timeline for senior pupils, including when they are expected to be in school. We recommend printing this and keeping it handy as a reference.   

Exam Preparation & Support   

The Easter break provides an important opportunity for focused revision. Pupils should be making use of the range of support available to them, including e-Sgoil Easter Study Support in the first week (they need to sign up to this asap), resources shared through Google Classroom, and SQA past papers.   

e-Sgoil Study Support: https://e-sgoil.com/senior-phase/easter-study-support/ 

SQA Past Papers and ‘Your Exams’ Guide: https://qualifications.gov.scot/ 

Exam Mindset: https://www.thinglink.com/card/1704817362747785829 

Attendance & Study Leave   

Senior pupils are expected to attend school as normal until Friday 8th May. This is essential to ensure courses are fully completed and that pupils can access final support from their teachers.   

Pupils are entitled to study at home on the day before and the day of each exam. Outside of this, they should continue to attend school as normal until the 8th of May when we will work on a remote model of support for pupils from the 11th. 

Exam Timetable   

Individual exam timetables will be issued to young people after the Easter break. These will include any adjusted timings and details of any Additional Assessment Arrangements in place. 

The full SQA exam timetable can be viewed in the link below; just remember we adjust the times very slightly to allow for buses etc.  

https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/files_ccc/nq-2026-exam-timetable.pdf 

Support at Home   

You can make a real difference over the coming weeks by encouraging your young person to follow a simple revision plan, make use of the available support and maintain a good routine.   

This can be a demanding time, and getting the balance right between study, rest and downtime will help them perform at their best. The effort young people put in now can make a significant difference to their final outcomes.  We particularly like the Exam Mindset link to support both parents and young people. 

Additional Information   

This is an important time and we want every young person to aim high and achieve the best results they can. At the same time, it’s important they understand that exams are only one part of their journey. 

The habits they build now, hard work, perseverance and the courage to keep going when things feel challenging are what will stay with them long after the exam diet is over. 

If you or your young person need support, please contact your young person’s Guidance Teacher in the first instance.   

Best regards,  

Robert Leadbeater, SQA Coordinator