Pass or fail, parents are being encouraged to support their children whatever the outcome of today's exam results
A charity is telling parents qualifications are not the sole purpose of school and that children need supported whatever their results.
Education charity the National Parent Forum of Scotland (NPFS) made the call as 140,000 students across Scotland receive their results.
Overall there were a record 156,000 Higher passes - up 5.5% on last year.
Many students sat the new-look Highers which are being phased in this year and next.
The changes to the Highers were designed to help fit them in with broader changes to education in recent years, including the replacement of Standard Grades.
The new exams are being seen a more demanding, especially Higher Maths, which students said was “too hard” when they sat it back in May.
No matter what today’s results bring, the important thing is to support your child
Vice Chair of NPFS Joanna Murphy said: “Today’s results demonstrate what can be achieved when parents, pupils and schools work together in partnership to ensure the full potential of Curriculum for Excellence.
“Whatever the outcome, it is important that all young people are encouraged and supported on their journey, whether that means staying on at school, moving on to work and training, or going to college or university.
“No matter what today’s results bring, the important thing is to support your child to move on to the next stage and to remember that there are always options.”
This year was the second year of the National 4 and 5 qualifications which replaced Standard Grades. A National 5 is equivalent to a Credit in a Standard Grade or a good pass in an old O Grade.
There was a large increase in National 5 course entries, particularly among those taken beyond fourth year - with 229,870 A-C grades awarded.
Dr Janet Brown, SQA chief executive and Scotland's chief examining officer, said: "There is a broadening recognition of the different ways candidates can demonstrate their skills and achieve success, whether it be National 5, the new or existing Higher, Advanced Higher, Skills for Work or National Progression Awards.
"Employers require candidates to display a wide range of qualities. Our assessments and qualifications have been designed to provide people with the skills required to succeed today and in the future whether that be further study, training or employment."
