Every year, many students in Scotland wonder what their options are if their National 5 exam results don’t go as planned. The good news is that resitting National 5 exams is possible—but the rules, process, and timings depend on your school, college, and the SQA guidelines.
In this guide, we’ll explain whether you can resit National 5s, how resits work, and what steps to take next. Get in touch with Central Tutors today if you are looking for help for yourself or your child with National 5s.
Can You Resit National 5 Exams?
Yes, students can resit National 5 exams in Scotland. However, it’s important to understand:
- Resits usually happen the following academic year, not immediately after results.
- Not every subject may be available for resit at every school or college.
- The decision to resit often depends on your teacher’s recommendation, your overall grades, and your future study plans.
If you need help on if you should resit an exam or not, please get in touch with Central Tutors today.
Pass Rates for National 5 Exams
- The overall A to C pass rate for National 5 exams in Scotland was 78.4% in 2025, up from 77.2% in 2024 and slightly above the 2019 rate of 78.2% – SQA Website
- Specifically in National 5 Mathematics, the A to C pass rate was 69.3% in 2025, marking a modest increase from 68.1% in 2024 and from 65.5% in 2019 SQA.
How the National 5 Resit Process Works
- Speak to Your School or College
- Your school will guide you on whether a resit is recommended.
- They’ll confirm if the subject will be taught again in your timetable.
- Timing of Resits
- Resits usually take place during the following May/June exam session.
- Some schools may offer prelims or internal assessments in preparation.
- Alternative Routes
- If a resit isn’t available at your school, you may be able to enrol with a local college or private tutor to prepare for the exam independently.
When Do National 5 Resits Take Place?
National 5 resits follow the standard SQA exam timetable the year after your first attempt. This means you’ll typically:
- Begin resit classes in August/September.
- Sit the exam again in May/June.
- Receive results in August.
You can read more about the time table from the SQA website here.
Why Students Choose to Resit National 5s
Many students decide to resit their National 5 exams for a variety of reasons. For some, it’s about improving their grades to ensure they can progress confidently to Higher level subjects. Others may need stronger results in order to meet specific entry requirements for college or university courses. In some cases, students choose to resit simply to boost their confidence, giving themselves the opportunity to revisit the material, strengthen their understanding, and prove to themselves that they can achieve a better outcome the second time around.
Some more blog posts that you might be intesting are:
Trusted Math Tutors in Glasgow: Helping Students Excel in SQA Exams
Ultimate Guide to National 5 Exams in Scotland: Subjects, Timetable, and Study Tips (2025)
Best Tutors for Scottish Exams – How to Choose the Right Support for National 5s and Highers
Tips for Preparing for a National 5 Resit
Preparing for a resit is not just about repeating what you did the first time—it’s about learning from your previous experience and approaching the exam with a fresh strategy. One of the most important steps is to carefully review your exam feedback. By identifying the areas where you lost marks, you can focus your revision on the topics that matter most, rather than spending equal time on subjects you already understand well. Read more about how you can study better here, How to Use the SQA MyExams App to Stay on Track for Exam Success in 2025.
Another key to success is starting early. Many students put off revision until just before the exam period, but a resit gives you the chance to create a clear, structured plan well in advance. Breaking your study sessions into small, manageable chunks makes the workload less overwhelming and ensures steady progress.
Here are some practical steps to make your preparation more effective:
- Work with past papers – National 5 past papers are one of the best ways to get exam-ready. They help you practise the exact question style and understand what examiners are looking for in answers.
- Use marking schemes – Don’t just complete past papers; mark them against the official SQA marking scheme. This shows you how points are awarded and highlights where you can pick up extra marks.
- Seek additional support – Whether it’s asking your school teacher for extra guidance, working with a friend, or finding a private tutor, outside help can give you new perspectives on tricky subjects.
Finally, don’t underestimate the role of confidence and mindset. Many students who resit exams do have the knowledge, but nerves and exam pressure can hold them back. Practising under timed conditions, improving exam technique, and working with someone who can give constructive feedback will not only strengthen your understanding but also build the self-belief you need to walk into the exam room ready to succeed.
You can resit National 5 exams
Yes—you can resit National 5 exams in Scotland, but it usually means re-sitting the following year as part of the SQA exam timetable. Whether you’re aiming to progress to Highers, boost your grades, or secure a college place, careful preparation is key.
With expert support and a structured revision plan, a National 5 resit can be the stepping stone to achieving your academic goals. Get in touch with Central Tutors today if you are looking for help with National 5 exam resits here.
