Another year of record-breaking exam results

In East Renfrewshire, 170 youngsters achieved five or more As in their Highers — while S4 pupils achieved the highest ever results, with 94 per cent gaining five or more National 4 qualifications and 72 per cent gaining five or more at National 5.

Councillor Elaine Green, education and equalities convener, paid tribute to the “hard work of pupils, exceptionally well supported by our staff and parents”.

At Eastwood High, S5s Billy O’Neil and Emma McKelvie (both 17) were delighted to receive five As.

Emma told The Extra: “I stayed up and received the email at half one in the morning — but my parents are on holiday so I couldn’t tell them right away.

“I worried maths would let me down because the exam was so tough, so I’m very happy.

“Now it’s on to advanced French, Spanish and history.”

Billy, who hopes to study computing science at university, said: “My parents were so proud – then my dad said ‘only five?’

“There was a degree of expectation from other people, but I didn’t want to let myself believe I’d get five As until I got today.

“It’s back to the beginning now for sixth year — but I have the qualifications to get into uni now, so I hope there will be less pressure and I’ll just do my best.”

Also celebrating was Eastwood’s multi-media technician Michael O’Rorke, who sat Higher English in a step towards becoming a primary teacher.

Michael, who studied at home before taking the test, got a B — allowing him to apply to his teaching course for next year. He explained: “It was funny seeing the looks on the faces of the kids when I took a seat in the exam — I just pretended I was hiding my answers. By the break they were chatting away, asking how I found the exam.”

Glasgow City Council also celebrated a year of best ever results, with attainment on the increase across the board.

Councillor Stephen Curran, member for education and young people, said: “Glasgow’s exam success is at an all-time high and our schools have been awarded a fantastic report card.

“Pupils and teachers should be very proud of themselves for their hard work and commitment which has paid off.”

Didn’t get the SQA results you were hoping for?

The advice from both East Renfrewshire and Glasgow City councils is to contact your teachers to discuss alternative options, or use the UCAS independent advice line, 0808 100 8000, or tweet @ERHelp.

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