Updated 02-December-2025
Every year around this time, students and parents start searching about the SQA exam timetable 2026. It's that mix of excitement and nerves kicking in early. After years guiding learners through exams—first in classrooms across the UK, now helping at Exam Centre London—I've seen how knowing these dates upfront changes everything. It lets you build a solid plan, avoid clashes, and actually enjoy the lead-up instead of scrambling last minute. So, let's dive in, shall we? I'll walk you through the key details, share some real stories from my time running tuition sessions, and give you tips that actually work.
SQA exams come from the Scottish Qualifications Authority—they run Scotland's main school quals like National 5, Higher, Advanced Higher. Written papers, practicals, some coursework; big annual push April to June. Basically tests what you've learned, fair marking, counts for uni or jobs—lines up with GCSEs/A-Levels elsewhere.
The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) has set clear dates for 2026, and fortunately, they're out now. Exams kick off on Wednesday, 22 April 2026, and wrap up on Tuesday, 2 June 2026—that's an extra day tacked on after feedback about workload and clashes. Results day lands on Tuesday, 4 August 2026, giving everyone a decent breather before uni applications or next steps.
From my experience, this extension matters. Last year, we had a rush of Higher students panicking over back-to-back papers. Schools and the SQA listened, extended it—smart move. Download the full 2026 Exam timetable (PDF) directly from their site; it's straightforward, lists everything by level: National 5, Higher, Advanced Higher. No guesswork needed.
To be fair, timetables can shift slightly for individual centres, so always double-check with your school or provider. That's where places like Exam Centre London come in—we handle JCQ-approved exams across boards, including SQA options for distance learners heading south.
They adjusted the end date from 1 June to 2 June after stakeholder chats—coincident clashes were the big issue. It spreads out the load, especially for subjects like Maths or English that pile up. I've prepped dozens of SQA candidates over the years, and these tweaks? They reduce burnout.
Think about it: April to early June means spring revision peaks right when weather improves—use that! Moreover, SQA's MyExams app lets you build a personal timetable, sync it to your phone. Super handy for avoiding "oh no, double science tomorrow" moments.
First off, grab that PDF and highlight your subjects. Group them: mornings for heavy papers, afternoons lighter. Transition to weekly mocks—mimic the diet.
Build your calendar now: Plug dates into Google Cal or SQA's tool. Add buffer days for review.
Prioritise clashes: Maths Higher often butts against sciences; revise those first. From experience, active recall beats cramming.
Weekly check-ins: Track progress Sundays. Adjust if a topic lags—I've seen grades jump 2 bands this way.
Breaks matter: After 90-minute sessions, walk it off. Your brain needs it.
Link this to broader prep: pair with official SQA resources or OCR/Edexcel past papers if cross-boarding. SQA Catalogue of National Qualifications. For A-Level equivalents, peek at UCAS points guide.
Start backwards: results 4 August means UCAS tweaks by July. Book your centre early—spots fill at hubs like ours near London transport.
Furthermore, practise endurance: full papers timed. I tell students, "Fuel like race day—nuts, not sugar rushes." Track sleep; one bad night tanks recall.
There you have it—the SQA exam timetable 2026 laid bare, from 22 April start to 4 August results. Act now: download, plan, practise. You've got this; centres like Exam Centre London back you up for stress-free assessments. Reach out—we make it real.
Exams run from Wednesday, 22 April to Tuesday, 2 June 2026.
Tuesday, 4 August 2026—mark it!
Yes, via SQA's MyExams app or online builder.
Venues like Exam Centre London offer flexible options.
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