Scottish pupils achieved a record number of Higher passes in the last school year

Over 140,000 candidates across Scotland received their exam results today including those sitting the new National Qualification, which has replaced Standard Grades.

The overall percentage pass rate for Highers dipped very slightly from last year’s 77.4% to 77.1% but with the number of Highers sat across all subjects increasing by 9,000 there were more passes this time round.

The pass rate for pupils sitting a National 4 qualification, which is assessed during the year, was 93% and the pass rate was 81.1% for those sitting a National 5.

Pupils and their schools have adapted incredibly well to the new curriculum, as the results clearly demonstrate

Comparisons between this year’s National Qualification results and last year’s Standard Grade results can’t be drawn due to the differences in the system.

Iain Ellis, chair of the National Parent Forum of Scotland, welcomed the results describing them as a fantastic achievement.

He added: “Pupils and their schools have adapted incredibly well to the new curriculum, as the results clearly demonstrate.

“Today’s results show what can be achieved when parents, pupils and schools work together in partnership to ensure the full potential of Curriculum for Excellence.

"As the results show, this is a different system with different outcomes and I hope everyone will see it as a strong start to the new qualifications rather than try and make unhelpful comparisons.”

Jackie Brock, chief executive of Children in Scotland, described the first National Qualifications results – part of the ongoing implementation of Curriculum for Excellence – as a landmark moment.

She said: "This is a very good set of results and congratulations must go to all who made this a success, including the students, teachers, parents, the Scottish Qualifications Authority, local authorities and the Scottish Government.

“While this is an important day, the new qualifications are only one part of the much broader implementation of Curriculum for Excellence. We now need to turn our attention to improving literacy and numeracy, reducing the attainment and achievement gap experienced by children in low income families and enhancing employability skills of all learners.”

Anyone with concerns over results is asked to contact their school or call the exam results helpline on 0808 100 8000.