Best exam results yet as Falkirk pupils set the bar even higher

Hard working pupils have attained great results

In the second year of the new Highers qualifications, which are part of Curriculum for Excellence and build on learning in National courses, 38 per cent of National 5 S4 candidates gained five or more passes at grades A to C, an improvement on the 2014 figure of 36 per cent.

For the first time, a significant number of pupils gained Higher passes in fourth year, with 69 awards being given across 16 subjects.

Overall figures in fifth year in the new Highers show an improvement on last year’s figures, with 57 per cent of pupils gaining at least one Higher compared to 52 per cent in 2015.

Robert Naylor, director of Falkirk Council’s children’s services, said: “The fact more young people have achieved these important qualifications is down to the hard work and commitment of many people.

“I want to publicly thank our teachers who have worked tirelessly to ensure the successful development of the new curriculum and to help our young people to prepare for these important examinations.

“It is important also to thank our parents and carers for the great support they give to our young people. Finally, I say well done to the young people themselves who have achieved so much.

“They should feel proud.”

Thirty three per cent of pupils gained at least three Highers, a rise of three per cent on 2015. The percentage of pupils gaining at least five Highers rose to 15 per cent compared to 14 per cent in 2015.

By the end of sixth year, 40 per cent of pupils gained at least three Highers, one per cent lower than in 2015, but likely to improve when outcomes from post results appeals are known.

Pupils gaining at least five Highers rose from 28 to 29 per cent, while those gaining at least one Advanced Higher remained at 17 per cent but, again, that is likely to improve once outcomes of post results appeals are known.

Any parents or pupils involved in this year’s diet of exams who have queries regarding their results should contact their school directly.

SQA’s Candidate Advice Line is on 0345 279 1000.

The Skills Development Scotland helpline for advice is 0800 917 8000.