Exam results take Dalziel High to new heights

The report lists the percentage of senior pupils who gained five or more highers during the 2014/15 school year.

At Dalziel High 59 per cent managed this feat, putting it 15th on the list for the whole of Scotland and first in Lanarkshire.

Impressively while 10 of the top 15 has a zero per cent deprivation rate Dalziel has 22 per cent and you have to go to 35th of the list to Hyndland Secondary to find a higher percentage.

The previous year’s report saw Dalziel placed 33rd on the list and head teacher Robert Birch is delighted with the school’s progress.

He said: “There are lots of ways of looking at exam statistics, in this particular table we have come out as 15th in the country and having never been in the top 30 before it’s a massive jump.

“We knew the results were really good, but we didn’t think they would be as good as this and it is a real testament to the hard work of the youngsters.

“Results have been getting a little better year on year, but this time there was a marked improvement, we were always a high attaining school and this is a new high for us.

“We have fantastic staff, staff who go above and beyond, we have supported study every night and at lunch times so the kids know help is always available to them.

“Youngsters are encouraged to get involved in the life and ethos of the school, and the number of extra-curricular clubs is outstanding.

“Some believe extra-curricular activities take away from the classroom, but I think it’s been proved if children are happy and motivated to attend school they’ll produce better results.”