The Scottish Qualifications Authority has released the official exam timetable for National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher candidates in 2026. The examination period spans from late April through early June, with results scheduled for August. Schools and candidates can now access the complete schedule to plan their preparation accordingly.
The SQA first published the 2026 timetable in September 2025, with subsequent revisions issued in February 2026. These updates addressed stakeholder concerns about workload clustering and accommodated scheduling adjustments for specific subjects. Candidates sitting National 5 exams should verify they have the latest version before finalising their study plans.
SQA Exam Timetable 2026: Key Dates and Overview
The 2026 examination diet covers National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher qualifications across Scottish schools and colleges. Candidates preparing for these assessments can use the following overview to orient themselves around critical dates.
The timetable underwent revisions in February 2026 from an earlier December version. National 5 and Higher Urdu examinations were rescheduled to Monday 1 June 2026, and the overall end date was extended to 2 June based on stakeholder feedback regarding workload management and subject clashes.
Understanding the broader structure helps candidates prioritise their revision. The following insights highlight the most important points to note about the 2026 examination diet.
- The examination period runs for approximately six weeks, from late April through early June.
- National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher exams are included in the single published timetable.
- The official PDF (401 KB) lists all exams by date, time, course, level, and paper.
- February 2026 revisions adjusted specific subject dates following stakeholder input.
- Examinations proceed normally on Scottish Parliament election day (Thursday 7 May 2026).
- Results will be released on Tuesday 4 August 2026.
- Candidates should contact their school or college regarding subject-specific queries.
The table below provides a sample of National 5 examination dates drawn from the official SQA timetable. Morning examinations typically begin at 09:00, while afternoon sessions start at 13:00. Times marked with an asterisk indicate approximate start times for listening papers.
| Date | Subject | Paper | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wed 22 Apr (Afternoon) | Spanish | Reading and Writing / Listening | 13:00–14:30 / 15:00–15:30* |
| Thu 23 Apr (Afternoon) | Geography | — | 13:00–15:20 |
| Fri 24 Apr (Morning) | Business Management | — | 09:00–11:00 |
| Thu 30 Apr (Morning) | English | Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation / Critical Reading | 09:00–10:00 / 10:30–12:00 |
| Tue 5 May (Afternoon) | Administration and IT | — | 13:00–15:00* |
| Mon 25 May (Morning) | Accounting | — | Time specified by centre |
| Tue 19 May (Afternoon) | Modern Studies | — | 13:00–15:20 |
| Thu 21 May (Afternoon) | Physics | — | 13:00–15:30 |
| Tue 26 May (Morning) | Art and Design | — | 09:00–10:20 |
| Tue 26 May (Afternoon) | Psychology | — | 13:00–15:00 |
SQA Timetable 2026 PDF: How to Download and Use the Official Document
The authoritative source for the complete examination schedule is the official SQA PDF document. This file contains every examination scheduled for the 2026 diet, organised by date, level, subject, and paper. Candidates, parents, and teachers can download this document directly from the SQA website.
Downloading the Official Timetable
The National Qualifications 2026 Exam Timetable PDF is available in two locations. The primary source is the SQA website, where the document was initially published and subsequently updated. Candidates should ensure they download the most recent version, as earlier downloads may contain superseded information.
To access the document, visit the SQA exam timetable page and locate the PDF link. The file weighs approximately 401 KB and contains comprehensive scheduling information across all qualification levels. Some third-party platforms have also reproduced the timetable, though the SQA website remains the definitive source.
Navigating the PDF Contents
The timetable organises examinations chronologically from the first day through the final session. Each entry specifies the subject, level, paper number, date, and start time. Candidates sitting multiple subjects can cross-reference their personal commitments against the official schedule to identify any potential conflicts.
Print a copy of the timetable and highlight your own examination dates. This provides a quick reference point and helps avoid accidental confusion between similar subject names or levels.
Checking for Updates
The SQA may issue amendments to the timetable throughout the preparation period. Schools and candidates should verify they have the latest version before finalising travel arrangements or study schedules. Any changes are announced through official SQA channels and are reflected in the updated PDF.
SQA Exam Timetable 2026: Release Date and Publication History
Understanding when the timetable became available helps contextualise the information landscape surrounding the 2026 examination diet. The SQA follows a structured publication cycle that was maintained for the 2026 schedule.
Initial Publication
The SQA published the first official 2026 examination timetable in September 2025. This initial release provided candidates and educational establishments with advance notice of the examination period, enabling early planning for study leave, venue arrangements, and candidate preparation.
February 2026 Revisions
Following stakeholder feedback regarding workload management, the SQA issued revised timetables in December 2025 and again in February 2026. The most significant change involved rescheduling National 5 and Higher Urdu examinations to Monday 1 June 2026. Additionally, the end date was extended from 1 June to 2 June 2026 to accommodate concerns about subject clustering and examination pressure.
The official SQA announcement regarding these changes confirms that all other examination dates remained unchanged. Candidates sitting affected subjects should note the updated dates carefully.
Using the Latest Version
Given the revision history, candidates should confirm they are using the February 2026 version of the timetable. Earlier versions may contain dates that have since been superseded. The SQA recommends checking the official website regularly for any further announcements.
SQA Prelims Timetable 2026: What Candidates Need to Know
Preliminary examinations, commonly known as prelims, represent assessments that schools administer before the formal SQA examination diet. These internal assessments help candidates build confidence and provide teachers with data to support pupil progress. Understanding how prelims are scheduled differs from understanding the main timetable.
How Prelims Are Organised
Unlike the centralised SQA examination timetable, preliminary exams are arranged by individual schools and colleges. Educational establishments use SQA assessment resources to create their own prelim papers, but the scheduling remains a local decision. This means there is no single “prelims timetable” published by the SQA for candidates to download.
Typical Scheduling Windows
Schools typically conduct preliminary examinations in January and February for candidates sitting their final exams in April through June. This early-window approach allows time for feedback, revision, and targeted preparation before the external examination period begins. Candidates should consult their school calendar or pastoral care team for specific dates.
No official SQA release date exists for the 2026 prelims timetable because schools manage these assessments independently. Contact your school or college directly for information about preliminary examination dates relevant to your courses.
Accessing Assessment Resources
The SQA provides assessment materials and guidance to schools for use in prelims, but does not mandate specific dates for their administration. Schools have flexibility in how they structure their prelim programmes, provided the assessments are completed before the external examination period commences.
Timeline: Key Dates for SQA 2026 Examinations
The following chronological list outlines the major milestones for the SQA 2026 examination diet, from initial publication through to results release.
- September 2025: Initial publication of the 2026 examination timetable by the SQA.
- December 2025: First revision issued to address stakeholder concerns.
- February 2026: Second revision published; National 5 and Higher Urdu rescheduled to 1 June; end date extended to 2 June.
- January–February 2026: Schools conduct preliminary examinations using SQA-provided resources.
- Wednesday 22 April 2026: Formal examination period begins with National 5 Spanish and other morning and afternoon papers.
- Thursday 7 May 2026: Examinations proceed as normal on Scottish Parliament election day.
- Tuesday 2 June 2026: Final day of the 2026 examination period.
- Tuesday 4 August 2026: Results released for all National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher candidates.
What We Know and What Remains Unclear
Being precise about confirmed information helps candidates focus their attention where it matters most, while acknowledging gaps prevents confusion and misplaced expectations.
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Examination period runs from 22 April to 2 June 2026 | Specific start times for some less common subjects |
| Results released on 4 August 2026 | Details of any further timetable amendments (none announced as of February 2026) |
| February 2026 revisions moved Urdu exams and extended end date | Exact 2027 timetable publication date |
| Examinations proceed on Scottish Parliament election day | Precise prelim scheduling for individual schools |
| Official PDF available from SQA website | Whether additional subject-specific adjustments will be announced |
| National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher all included | Specific venue arrangements for individual candidates |
Understanding the SQA Exam Framework
The Scottish Qualifications Authority administers academic qualifications for learners in Scotland. These qualifications operate within a distinct framework from systems used elsewhere in the United Kingdom, reflecting Scotland’s separate educational structure and policy priorities.
National 5 represents one of several levels within the Scottish qualifications hierarchy, positioned between the broader National 4 award and the more advanced Higher qualification. Candidates typically sit National 5 in their fourth or fifth year of secondary education, building toward Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications in later years.
The examination timetable coordinates assessments across hundreds of subjects and levels, requiring careful logistical planning. The SQA works with schools, colleges, and local authorities to ensure venues, invigilators, and materials are available for every scheduled paper. The February 2026 revisions demonstrate how the authority responds to legitimate concerns about candidate workload and examination clustering.
Official Sources and References
All information contained in this article derives from official SQA publications and credible secondary sources. Candidates should verify details directly with the SQA or their educational establishment.
The National Qualifications 2026 Exam Timetable covers examinations at National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher levels. The timetable is subject to revision based on stakeholder feedback.
Examinations in the 2026 diet will proceed normally on Scottish Parliament election day. Any adjustments to the timetable are reflected in updated versions available from the SQA website.
— SQA Timetable Publications, February 2026
Key Takeaways
The SQA 2026 examination timetable provides confirmed dates for National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher candidates across Scotland. The examination period runs from 22 April to 2 June 2026, with results published on 4 August 2026. Candidates should download the latest PDF from the official SQA website, verify their individual examination dates, and contact their school or college regarding preliminary examination scheduling. For those planning ahead, similar scheduling information is available for major sporting events such as the Six Nations 2026 Fixtures.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the SQA 2027 exam timetable be published?
No details are currently available regarding the 2027 SQA exam timetable. Following the pattern of initial publication in September, expect announcements closer to late 2026.
What are preliminary exams and when do they take place?
Preliminary exams are internal assessments set by schools using SQA materials. Schools typically schedule these in January or February before the main examination period.
How can I download the official SQA timetable PDF?
Visit the SQA website and access the file through their dedicated timetable page. The PDF is approximately 401 KB and lists all exams by date, time, and level.
Are exams affected by the Scottish Parliament election in May 2026?
No. The SQA confirmed that examinations proceed normally on Thursday 7 May 2026, which coincides with Scottish Parliament election day.
What changes were made in the February 2026 timetable revision?
National 5 and Higher Urdu were moved to Monday 1 June 2026, and the overall end date was extended to 2 June based on stakeholder feedback about workload and subject clashes.
Where can I find National 5 specific examination dates?
The official SQA PDF contains the complete schedule organised by level. Schools can also provide candidates with their individual examination timetables closer to the examination period.
When are SQA results released in 2026?
Results for all National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher qualifications are scheduled for release on Tuesday 4 August 2026.
Amelia Foster is Business & Economy Correspondent at TheUKDaily.uk, covering the UK economy, markets, employment, household costs and consumer finance.