YOUNG people in the Wee County received their SQA results yesterday with brilliant achievements in a range of areas.

Results day was marked on Tuesday, August 6, with Clackmannanshire’s officials congratulating young people on their hard work.

Many of the cohort sitting exams experienced some disruption during the pandemic with a councillor highlighting not only their perseverance but also the strong relationships between pupils, educators and families.

READ MORE: SQA to offer helpline for results day 2024
 

Overall, there was a five per cent increase in the number of presentations compared to pre-COVID levels, when exams were conducted in a comparable way.

There was an increase of 12 per cent on the number of National 5s awarded at a pass rate of 74 per cent.

The same figure for Highers increased by 11 per cent with a pass rate of 68 per cent.

Of the pupils who passed their assessments, there has been an annual increase in the percentage of A passes being awarded at Higher - much more than pre-COVID levels - and at Advanced Higher, with almost a third achieving an A pass.

More than a third of young people achieved five or more National 5s, an increase from 29 per cent pre-pandemic.

By individual subject, more young people passed both National 5 and Higher English than before Covid.

There was more to celebrate when it came to National 5 Mathematics with two-thirds passing – higher than the year before and much higher than before the pandemic when more than half passed.

Another significant increase on pre-Covid levels came in National 5 Physics, where two-thirds passed, not only up from last year but also a significant increase from pre-Covid levels when the pass rate was only 50 per cent.

In National 5 PE, 94 per cent passed with almost three-quarters passing in Higher PE, both large increases from levels recorded before the pandemic.

Cllr Graham Lindsay, spokesperson for education, said: “Many of our young people who sat exams this year have experienced some disruption throughout the national pandemic and it is amazing to see this high level of success.

“More than ever, I feel that the perseverance from our young people stands out.

“The strong relationships between our educators, young people and families are making a positive difference in many ways.

“These qualifications can support our young people as they take their next steps in life and I want to take this opportunity to wish each learner success for the future.”

School staff are on hand with help and advice for young people.

The Skills Development Scotland helpline is also available on 0808 100 8000.

A range of mental health services are also available via kooth.com or by texting “Clacks” to 85258 for text-based support.

Colin Bruce, chief education officer at Clackmannanshire Council, added: “I’m delighted for our young people and families.

“Everyone who has supported our learners - their teachers, their families and our partner organisations - deserves our thanks and congratulations today.

“I am pleased that the supports in place in our schools and communities are continuing to help our young people reach their full potential.

“And as this is the first year that the full traditional assessment model has returned, I’m delighted to see that our young people are continuing to succeed.

“I also want to emphasise that while SQA qualifications are important, these results today are just one way we measure our young people’s progress, and ensuring they are healthy, happy and supported remains hugely important.”