Pupils in Scotland’s schools received their exam results this morning, with exam pass rates at all levels having risen this year, including a record number of National 5 passes.
Almost 270,000 receiving a passing grade at National 5, up from about 262,000 last year. Pass rates for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher also increased across the board, to 79.2%, 76.7% and 77.6% respectively.
Scotland’s education secretary, Màiri McAllan, has congratulated all the young people receiving their results today, saying it is a “proud day” for them and the country’s education system.
“These are incredibly positive results across the board, with academic passes up at every level – National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher – as well as record numbers of vocational qualifications,” McAllan said in a statement. She continued:
This is testament to the breadth and strength of Scotland’s education system, the professionalism of our teachers and school staff, and the hard work of our young people.
It is particularly pleasing to see another narrowing in the attainment gap between the most and least deprived areas.
This builds on similar progress in the gaps for literacy and numeracy levels, as well as for the number of young people entering initial positive destinations, which has narrowed by almost two-thirds since 2009-10.
