Young people across South Ayrshire have received their SQA exam results today (Tuesday 9 August) with high standards on display across the area. Schools have returned some of the best results on record following months of preparation and revision.
In fifth year, 18% of young people achieved five or more Highers, a 1% increase on last year, and the best set of results since 2008. Once again the number of pupils achieving three or more Highers is well over a third (38%), which is also a 1% increase on results returned in August 2015. 58% achieved at least one Higher (down from 60% last year, but up from 51% in 2014).
The number of sixth-year pupils achieving at least one Advanced Higher award has increased from 19% last year to 20% this year.
In fourth year, the percentage of pupils achieving five or more National 5 Awards has remained steady at 45%. Figures for passes at National 4, which don’t require an exam, are still being confirmed by schools and the SQA and will be available in September.
Councillor Margaret Toner, South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Lifelong Learning, said, “We’ve seen another strong performance, with some of the best results on record returned by learners across our secondary schools.
“Young people will be reflecting on the past year after months of hard work and revision with hard decisions to be made on what to do next. Parents and families will also have played important roles supporting their children to prepare during exam time. Staff in every school have also worked extremely hard, and I’m very grateful to them for their continued dedication.
“I’d like to congratulate everyone on their hard work and dedication and wish them the best of luck for the next steps in their education or careers.”
Pupils at Girvan Academy have been celebrating their Higher exam results.
Ailsa Buchanan (17) gained six As, “I’ve had no life for two months so it’s great to have finally got my results. I’m looking to go into Veterinary Medicine and this goes a long way to helping make that happen.”
Lewis McWilliam (16) gained two As, two Bs and a C, “The results are really good and I’ve got what I need for Uni. I’ll be doing Advanced Higher this year but it’ll be good to get back to normal after all that studying.”
Natalie Purdie (17) gained three As, a B, and a C, “I was nervous beforehand but it’s a relief to have got the results through, which has really put my mind at ease. I don’t know what I want to do after school yet but I’ll be looking at Advanced Highers in sixth year, which will give me time to think.”
Jamie Gaff (17) gained an A, two Bs, and two Cs, “I’ve got a couple more to get this year but I think the results should keep my mum happy for a while. I want to join the RAF and if I keep working hard I’m sure I’ll get there in the next couple of years.”
Allan Rattray, Headteacher at Girvan Academy, said credit was due to all involved, “We’ve recorded great results and I’m proud of everyone for all their hard work over the past year.
These results are testament to the hard work of pupils, parents, and teachers, something which makes all the difference as our young people look to get ahead in later life.”
Support and guidance will be available from school staff on the next steps for pupils with guidance available on course choices for the coming session, university clearing process, further education and making the transition to the world of work.