Nearly 90% pass rate for pupils in Highers

Senior school pupils in Perth and Kinross sitting Highers last year achieved an almost 90 per cent pass rate during a Covid-disrupted school year.

Attainment statistics published last week by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) showed there were 4230 passes at Higher level – a success rate of 89 per cent.

Early figures also show local pupils were awarded 2273 National 4 awards, achieving an 85 per cent pass rate, and 6521 National 5 awards, an 87 per cent pass rate.

Just less than half (47 per cent) of pupils achieved five or more awards at National 5 level.

At Advanced Higher there were 744 passes across Perth and Kinross schools, with a pass rate of 90 per cent.

Students were notified of their grades at the end of the summer term.

Sheena Devlin, executive director of Perth and Kinross Council’s education and children’s services, said:“Our children and young people deserve to celebrate their successes after what has been another challenging year for them. These results are testament to their hard work throughout the school year.

“We would also like to thank all of our teachers, school staff, parents and carers for their hard work and support.

“Finally, we would want to remind all of our young people that advice and support is available from a variety of sources, including their own school, should this now be required.”

Local councillor for the Blairgowrie and Glens ward, Caroline Shiers, is convener of PKC’s lifelong learning committee.

She said:“This has been another exceptionally challenging academic year for young people, their families and all our teachers and school staff.

“The SQA results reflect the hard work of our young people and they do deserve to celebrate their successes. Schools will be able to give advice and support to young people regarding future steps.

“As we now head towards the new academic year I am sure that all our schools will be ready to help our children and young people get back into learning and I thank all our teachers and school staff for their dedication and commitment to delivering excellence for all our pupils.”

Perth and Kinross Council says pupils should contact their school for advice and help if they have any concerns about their results.

Further information is available online from the SQA at its 2021 results support web pages which can be found at www.sqa.org.uk