Another record breaking year for SQA exams

The authority reports its best ever performance at S4, S5 and S6 level, with 42 per cent of fifth years achieving five or more Highers (up 39% on the previous year).

And it’s As all round, with some 170 students gaining five or more Highers at grade A.

At S4, 94% achieved at least four qualifications, up from 91% in 2014.

It’s also the first year that ER pupils have sat the National exam in fourth year — previously they sat Intermediate exams.

Over in Glasgow, almost 12,000 pupils awaited SQA certificates — and the city authority also reports ‘best ever’ results.

The number of young people with one Higher or more is up by 5%, and the number of youngsters with three Highers or more by the end of S5 has increased by 3%.

A special Secure your Future event — attended by Glasgow colleges, Skills Development Scotland and other organisations offering advice — has been organised for August 6, and will take place at Glasgow city chambers.

Meanwhile, UCAS offers an exam results helpline for free, independent advice on 0808 100 8000 or on Twitter @ERHelp.

For more on Glasgow and East Ren’s record results, see Thursday’s edition of The Extra.