Exam records broken again
It proved to be a record-breaking year for Stirling area pupils tackling exams.
More than 8,000 results were due to drop through doors in the FK postcode area yesterday (Tuesday) while pupils also received results via text messages and emails.
Students across the area’s seven secondary schools improved their SQA performance for another successive year, with hundreds of pupils gaining qualifications at National, Higher and Advanced Higher level.
Results for S4 pupils have shown an increase in the number of young people gaining at least five National 5 qualifications compared to 2016. These are at their highest since the introduction of National 5 qualifications in 2013/14.
Stirling’s S5 results continue to improve and almost all are at their highest level since the introduction of the new qualifications.
This year’s results have shown an improvement in the number of young people achieving five or more Highers by the end of S5, while in S6, there has also been an increase in the number of Highers achieved. Both totals are at their highest since the introduction of the new qualifications.
It was a record breaking year for Stirling High pupils who chalked up strong results. At the school, 52-per cent of pupils in S4 achieved five or more N5s – the school’s highest ever result.
A total of 63-per cent of pupils in S5 achieved five or more at Nat 5 which is also their highest ever. The performance of S5 pupils at three or more Highers is also the highest ever at 45-per cent and in particular the performance of S6 has been very strong at one or more Advanced Highers and 5 or more Highers.
Stirling Council’s Education Convenor Susan McGill said: “This year’s successful results demonstrate the hard work of Stirling’s young people, the skills of teachers and school staff, and the support of parents and carers over the school year – congratulations to all.”
Education spokesperson for the Stirling Conservatives, Bryan Flannagan said:“Everyone who received their exam results on Tuesday should be extremely pleased with their achievements, not only because of the work required to attain such high results, but owing to ever increasing amounts of pressure put upon pupils to do well at school.
“With the job market and places at university becoming ever more competitive, it’s of vital importance that schools in Stirling prepare pupils of all ages for these challenges.”
In addition to the SQA awards, Stirling’s young people have also celebrated success in vocational courses at colleges and on the wide range of work placements undertaken. A number of young people have left school to undertake a range of Modern Apprenticeships.
Exam pass rates at Forth Valley College also increased for the third year in a row.
Overall, 88-per cent of students sitting SQA National Qualifications during 2016/17 successfully passed their course, compared with 85-per cent in 2015/16.
Wee County pupils were celebrating another successful year of exam results.
Pupils from Clackmannanshire recorded an increase in attainment at National 5 compared to last year. There is also a slight increase in attainment at Higher and Advanced Higher level.
A host of schools, including Alva Academy, are all showing improvements in their results compared with last year.
Education Spokesperson, Councillor Graham Lindsay said:“This clearly demonstrates the commitment of the Education Service to ongoing improvement. I will continue to work closely with the Chief Education Officer and our schools to ensure that we drive forward improvements for all our young people.”
Two helplines are open for candidates following the issuing of the exam results.
Skills Development Scotland has a helpline for candidates whose results were either better or worse than they had expected. Their advisers can offer information on college and university vacancies, employment and training and exam resits. The number is 0808 100 8000.
The SQA Candidate Advice Line provides information for candidates on the content and layout of their certificate. Their number is 0345 279 1000.