Thousands sign up for e-results

Thousands of candidates will log on for their results in August

More than 30,000 pupils have signed up to receive their exam results over the internet, according to the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).

The new system, called Results Online, allows candidates to view their results on a secure site one day in advance of their arrival by post on 7 August.

The move follows a pilot involving 400 pupils in Shetland and Orkney in 2006.

The SQA said the new service was designed to complement the current postal system and not replace it.

Karen McCallum, SQA's director of operations, said the new service would allow easier access to results and be more inclusive.

Final numbers

She added: "We are pleased that we are offering a service that our candidates want."

To access the new system candidates will have to pre-register using their unique SQA candidate number.

Ms McCallum added: "Registrations have already gone through the 30,000 barrier and with sign-up available until the end of June, there is every expectation for the final numbers to be even higher."

The SQA said the service would also be made available to candidates studying for exams in Scotland's colleges.