Pupils and students throughout Courier Country will be among more than 146,000 people across Scotland to learn the results of their exams.
The Scottish Government is keen to trumpet a record number of Higher passes but much attention will focus on attainment in the National courses, which have replaced Standard Grades.
The pass rate at National 5 is 81.1%. These courses are broadly equivalent to the old Standard Grade credit level and rely on coursework and a final examination.
There is no final exam at National 4, with pupils instead being assessed throughout the year and the pass rate is 93%.
Schools minister Dr Alasdair Allan said: “Our education system has taken another significant step forward today. The new National qualifications represent a shift towards deeper learning and a greater emphasis on analysis, engagement and understanding.
“The new curriculum recognises that one size does not fit all and gives learners the opportunity to play to their strengths to give them the best chance to succeed in whatever path they decide is best for them.”
The pass rate at Higher dipped by 0.3% to 77.1% but the number sitting the exam rose by more than 9,000 to a new high of almost 192,000. The pass rate at Advanced Higher also fell, down 1.1% to 81%.
Dr Allan said: “The fact that there has been such a marked increase in the number of Highers attained is a real success story.
“Students are now sitting a greater number of Highers, demonstrating real ambition and aspiration among young learners to achieve the best qualifications they can.”
Larry Flanagan, general secretary of the EIS teaching union, said: “Whilst schools will take time to examine the detail of the data closely, especially with the new Higher being introduced next session, it is gratifying to see the positive attainment rates in the new National qualifications, particularly in light of the challenging circumstances in which these new courses were introduced.”
The exam system is to be shaken up further with the Intermediate 1 and 2 qualifications being phased out in favour of the National courses and revised Highers and Advanced Highers coming in.
During this transition period, with a mixture of qualifications, direct comparisons year on year will be very complex.
Dr Janet Brown, Scottish Qualifications Authority chief executive, said: “In addition to attainment in the wide range of existing qualifications, including Intermediate, Higher and Advanced Higher, this has been the first year of the new Nationals.
“These new qualifications have been designed to broaden the quality of learning.
“There has clearly been a tremendous amount of work put in by candidates across Scotland and their commitment has been rewarded.”
She said the National qualifications have been designed to provide a balance of skills and knowledge, with more flexible assessment that allows teachers more scope to ensure assessment supports learning.
Skills Development Scotland has urged those who do not get the results they hoped for to call for free on 0808 100 8000 between 8am and 8pm today and tomorrow or during office hours until August 13.
Advisers will be available to offer information on UCAS course vacancies at colleges and universities, confirmation and clearing, Modern Apprenticeships, training opportunities and exam resits.