Is university education still the gold standard?
Opinions on the streets of Rutherglen
With a record number of Scottish students winning a place at university this year, we asked the people of Rutherglen whether they felt gaining a university education was important.
And many people still believe passing exams as a teenager is the key to having a more successful future.
Joe Connolly, from Rutherglen, said: “Passing exams shows a level of commitment but sometimes you can’t teach common sense.
“Some people are fantastically academic but you wouldn’t trust them to cross the road.
“There are many life experiences that you don’t learn in school.
“I think exams are still important because it shows a commitment to seeing something through.”
Jean Hall said she is very proud of her grandchildren who have excelled in their exams. She said: “I think passing exams is important and makes me feel hopeful for their future.”
But she also said her other grandchildren have pursued creative vocations, adding: “One of the girls, my granddaughter, is in Witsherface, a women’s comedy. They were in the Tron Theatre on Friday night.”
Sheila Campbell from Cathcart trained to be a teacher and believes university is a right of passage for many young people.
She added: “I think having work experience before they go to work or university is really important. If I had my time again I would have worked a while before I started [university]. I went from one school straight into another without a break.”
John Doherty from Cambuslang did not go to university, but later excelled, writing short stories, poems and novels.
He said: “I failed my 11-plus and the teacher told me I was a disgrace to my family because they were all highly intelligent. I discovered at 45 that I was dyslexic. I was dyslexic but they called me stupid instead.
“I want to encourage children. I say exams are important but they are not the be all and end all.”