Exam results sent out to Aberdeenshire pupils
Pupils across Aberdeenshire have received their SQA assessment results.
Across the region, 6520 pupils took a total of 29,248 exams across a total of 70 different subjects.
Of those, 110 pupils achieved five straight A passes at Higher in S5; 67 pupils achieved more than three Advanced Higher Awards in S6, and 1641 S4 pupils gained five qualifications at National Five level.
The overall pass rate compared to 2023 has gone from 78 per cent to 79 per cent.
Aberdeenshire Council’s director of education Laurence Findlay said: “I’d like to say a huge congratulations to all our young people who received their results today.
“Our early analysis shows a positive performance for many of our pupils and today is about congratulating them for all their hard work - from us all at the education team, we’re really proud of our young people.”
Foundation Apprenticeship (FA), of which Aberdeenshire is the leading provider in Scotland, results are once again very strong and well above the national average.
The demand for FAs continued to increase with Aberdeenshire remaining the largest provider in Scotland.
More than 800 students benefited from the FA courses and the next step opportunities they provide by raising attainment and improving positive destinations.
Education and children’s services committee chairman Councillor David Keating said: “Congratulations to all our pupils, and those who supported them, both their families, and our teachers in academies across Aberdeenshire.
“Pupils have shown what they are capable of and should be proud of their achievements.
“For those who haven’t done as well as they might have hoped, please don’t be discouraged.
“Exam results are not the be-all and end-all and whilst I appreciate it can be disheartening, they are not necessarily crucial to unlocking your future success.
“They do not define you or your future, and there are many paths and opportunities to be had.
“We can provide you with a wide range of support, advice and guidance to help you identify the one that is best for you.”
Early analysis of the SQA figures shows this year’s pass rate:
• National 2 going from 80 per cent to 100 per cent - a 20 per cent increase on 2023.
• National 3 going from 73 per cent - to 100 per cent - a 27 per cent increase on 2023.
• National 4 going from 86 per cent to 100 per cent - a 14 per cent increase on 2023.
• National 5 going from 78 per cent to 78 per cent.
• Higher going from 76 per cent to 73 per cent - a three per cent decrease on 2023.
• Advanced Higher going from 76 per cent to 70 per cent - a six per cent decrease on 2023.
In terms of wider exam attainment across Aberdeenshire, an initial analysis of the results across Aberdeenshire shows:
Forty per cent of S4 pupils achieved five or more at SCQF level five (A-C).
Thirty-three per cent of S5 pupils achieved three or more at SCQF level six (A-C).
Twenty-eight per cent of S6 pupils achieved five or more at SCQF level six (A-C).
Education and children’s services committee vice-chairwoman Councillor Anne Simpson said: “Our pupils can be confident their qualifications will provide them with a strong foundation for the next stage in their learning, training or employment.
“It is encouraging to see just how big an impact Foundation Apprenticeships are having on attainment across Aberdeenshire and by broadening the range of opportunities to achieve qualifications, we can help all our young people find a route to success that best meets their needs and interests.”
For any young person interested in undertaking a Foundation Apprenticeship, visit: www.apprenticeships.scot/become-an-apprentice/foundation-apprenticeships
Skills Development Scotland is once again running its results helpline on 0808 100 8000.
The organisation’s expert advisors can help pupils explore their options and provide career advice and guidance.
Young people can also visit the Developing the Young Workforce website at www.dyw.scot/no-wrong-path #NoWrongPath aims to show young people the options that are available to them.
