SQA exam timetable 2027

When the 2027 exam diet runs

The 2027 National Qualifications exams run from Monday 26 April to Wednesday 2 June 2027. Thursday 3 June is kept free as a contingency day. There are no exams on Monday 3 May, the May bank holiday.

The first day covers Applications of Mathematics at National 5 and Higher. The last day covers Italian, Sociology and Advanced Higher Statistics.

Qualifications Scotland published the final timetable on 31 August 2026, after a consultation in the spring. The current PDF is Version 02. The table above lists all 203 papers across National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher.

Main exam dates in 2027

Where a course has two papers, the time runs from the first start to the last finish.

How to read the timetable

Each row shows the date, start and end time, level, course and paper. Morning exams start at 09:00. Most afternoon exams start at 13:00 or 13:30.

• Two papers, two rows. Higher Mathematics Paper 1 (Non-calculator) runs 09:00 to 10:15. Paper 2 runs 10:45 to 12:15.
• Listening papers. The official timetable prints listening end times as approximate.
• Separate room. An asterisk on the official PDF means you sit in a separate room. This is normally a practical or suitably equipped room. Our table shows this as a flag.
• Gaelic-medium papers. Some courses also run in Gaelic, such as Matamataig (Mathematics) and Eachdraidh (History). These start at the same time as the English-medium paper but often run longer.

Filter by level and course, then check each date against the personal timetable your school gives you. Always use the latest version of the timetable, as dates and times can change.

What happens if two exams clash

Qualifications Scotland says more than 95% of learners have only one exam scheduled per day. Clashes can still happen.

If two of your exams are at the same time, speak to your school well before the exam. Your school can look at alternative arrangements for you.

Exam day rules

These rules come from the 2026 learner guide. Check for changes when the 2027 guide is published.

• Be at the exam room at least 10 minutes before the start.
• Bring black or blue ink pens and your Scottish Candidate Number card.
• Do not bring a mobile phone, even switched off. Smartwatches, earbuds and other electronic devices are banned too.
• Pencil cases are not allowed, including clear ones.
• Calculators and dictionaries are allowed only where the course permits them.

If you arrive late, report to the teacher in charge. They will tell you if you can still sit the exam. In exams longer than one hour, the invigilator may let you leave after 30 minutes.

Breaking the rules can lead to a cancelled entry or a lower grade. That includes having a banned item at your desk, even if you do not use it.

Illness or a crisis on exam day

Contact your school straight away if illness, bereavement or another serious event stops you sitting an exam. The same applies if it badly affects your performance on the day.

Your school can apply to the Examination Exceptional Circumstances Consideration Service. Only the school or college can apply, and it must do so within 10 working days of the exam. Your grade is then based on evidence produced before the exam, such as prelims, class tests and coursework.

Exam nerves do not count. If you use this service, you cannot appeal the same qualification later.

Where your results come

Results day is Tuesday 10 August 2027. Your certificate comes by post. Sign up to My Qualifications Scotland, formerly MySQA, to get your results by text or email as well. In 2026 these were sent from 8am.

Quick answers

When do SQA exams start in 2027?

The 2027 exams start on Monday 26 April with Applications of Mathematics. The last exams are on Wednesday 2 June, and Thursday 3 June is a contingency day.

When was the SQA exam timetable 2026?

The 2026 exams ran from Wednesday 22 April to Tuesday 2 June 2026. Results came out on Tuesday 4 August 2026.

Is the 2027 exam timetable final?

Yes. Qualifications Scotland published the final timetable on 31 August 2026 as Version 02, after consulting on a provisional version. Always check you are using the latest version.

What does the asterisk on the timetable mean?

It means candidates sit that exam in a separate room, normally a practical or other suitably equipped room. Listening papers are a common example.

What should I do if two of my exams clash?

Speak to your school as early as you can. Your school can look at alternative arrangements for you.

When are Higher English and Higher Maths in 2027?

Higher English is on Friday 7 May 2027, from 09:00 to 12:45. Higher Mathematics is on Friday 14 May 2027, from 09:00 to 12:15.