Choosing your National options is a great opportunity to think about what you'd like to do in the future. Watch the video below for five things you need to know when you choose your options in Scotland.
You can also explore subjects you're interested in by taking a tour around The Ultimate Options Guide for Scotland further down the page, or check out Ultimate Options Guides for all nations here.
Helen: Choosing your options is a great opportunity to think about what you would love to do in the future.
Helen: In Scotland, you will start to take your National qualifications in S3 or S4; so you’ll need to choose the options you want to take in S3 and maybe earlier.
T'Challa: Most people taking Nationals choose around six options. Two of these are usually English, and either Maths or Applications of Maths. You don’t always have to take Science, but every school is different so check with your teachers!
Helen: You can have fun choosing your other subjects, and the choices are different in every school. You might pick an art based subject like Drama, a humanities subject like Geography, or a Modern Foreign Language. As well as National Qualifications, you can ask whether your school offers work-related courses like ‘Skills for Work’, National Progression Awards, National Certificates or Modern Apprenticeships.
T'Challa: If you change your mind, it’s sometimes possible to change courses, if it works with your timetable.
Helen: Once you've chosen your options you'll usually have one year working towards your exams and assessments. The more Nationals you pass, the more pathways are available to you to shape your future, which makes the hard work really worthwhile. You'll have more decisions to make when your results arrive. If you don't get the results you need, there may be the possibility to resit exams. Be true to yourself and choose what’s right for you.
Explore The Ultimate Options Guide for Scotland
There are many National options on offer in Scotland and you can explore some of the most popular subjects in The Ultimate Options Guide. It's intended as a companion to the information, advice and guidance offered by your school and teachers, so make sure you go along to your own school's options evening, if they have one, and check with your teachers to find out what rules apply in your school and which subjects might be best for you and your future.
When do I need to choose my National options?
In Scotland, you usually take your National Qualifications in S3 and S4, so you'll need to choose the subjects you want to study in S3 or even earlier. It's never too early to start thinking about your options!
Different schools will ask students to pick their options at different times, but you'll get plenty of notice and information from your teachers.
What Nationals do I have to take?
Normally you can expect to choose a minimum of 6 National Qualification options. People often choose English and Maths and/ or Applications of Maths as employers, colleges and universities may look favourably on these subjects. Check with your teachers to find out what rules apply in your school.
What are the optional subjects?
You can have fun choosing your other subjects, the choices are different in every school, but you may have the option to choose:
- A modern foreign language. The most commonly taught are French, German and Spanish, but some schools also offer languages like Mandarin and Japanese. Some schools require you to take a modern foreign language, so check with your teachers whether these are part of your options or compulsory.
- A humanity subject like History, Geography, or Religious Studies.
- An arts subject like Music, Drama, Art and Design, or Media Studies.
- A technical subject such as Design and Technology, Food Technology, or Computer Science.
Your school may also offer work-related courses such as Skills For Work, National Progression Awards, National Certificates, or Modern Apprenticeships.
To help you make up your mind, ask your teachers about subjects that you might be interested in but haven’t taken yet, so they can explain what will be taught on the course.
What if I'm unhappy with my choices once I start?
If you're unhappy, you might be able to change subjects, but it’s likely to depend on whether changing will cause subjects clashes on your personal timetable. Remember: choosing your National Qualification subjects is also choosing your timetable, so think hard and ask your teachers about the planned schedule for the subjects you're keen on.
What's next?
Once you've chosen your options, you'll usually have one year to work toward your exams and assessments. The more Nationals you pass, the more pathways are available to you to shape your future – this makes your hard work really worthwhile. You'll have more decisions to make once your results arrive. If you don't get the results you need, there may be the possibility to resit your exams.
If you need support
You should always tell someone about the things you’re worried about. You can tell a friend, parent, guardian, teacher, or another trusted adult. If you're struggling with your mental health, going to your GP can be a good place to start to find help. Your GP can let you know what support is available to you, suggest different types of treatment and offer regular check-ups to see how you’re doing.
If you’re in need of in-the-moment support you can contact Childline, where you can speak to a counsellor. Their lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
There are more links to helpful organisations on the BBC Bitesize Action Line page for young people.
The Ultimate Options Guide 2026
Find out more about some of the subjects that may be on offer when choosing your GCSE or National options.
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