YESTERDAY pupils around the Borders received their exam results after a year of hard work and dedication as more pupils than ever attained success.
This was the first year since 2019 where pupils sat National Qualifications normally, so year on year comparisons were not deemed appropriate due to the alternative models used during the pandemic.
The Borders remained in the top quartile nationally for positive destinations as 95.49 per cent of pupils achieved a positive and sustained destination – an increase from last year.
For pupils who sat exams in May this year in literacy and numeracy, more than ever are gained successful results.
• 97 per cent of S4 achieved a literacy award
• 95 per cent of S4 achieved a National 5 English award
• 92 per cent of S4 achieved a numeracy award
• 87 per cent of S4 achieved a National 5 award in maths
Two-thousand-four-hundred pupils gained qualifications at SCQF Levels 2-4, with the overall pass rate (A-C) for S4 pupils at SCQF Level 5 this year at 82.1 per cent.
And S5 attainment at SCQF Level 6 stood at 80 per cent – in line with figures from 2019.
Selkirkshire councillor Leagh Douglas, executive member for education, was at Galashiels Academy yesterday (Tuesday) congratulating pupils.
She said: “The results achieved are testament to the remarkable flexibility and resilience that our young people have demonstrated through the challenges of the last two years and they should all be immensely proud of what they have achieved.
"Whether the results received are a step towards a job, a modern apprenticeship, further education, university or to further study in their next school year, it is important to remember that every pupil is different with their own ambitions and aims.
“Our teaching staff have worked extremely hard with the SQA to ensure the consistent smooth running of the national qualifications and are committed to ensuring that every young person is able to fulfil their potential."
This year 3,616 Borders students sat exams at Higher, 689 at Advanced Higher, and 6,305 – the highest ever number of pupils – sat exams at National 5 levels.
For anyone who is disappointed in any of their results pupil support information is available at: www.scotborders.gov.uk/examresults and from the Skills Development Scotland helpline on 0808 100 8000. This is open from 8am-8pm on 10 and 11 August and 9am-5pm on weekdays until 18 August. Advisers can provide access to information on UCAS course vacancies at college and universities across the UK, Confirmation and Clearing, advice about Modern Apprenticeships and employment and training opportunities. Additional information is available on the SQA website: www.sqa.org.uk and at: www.myworldofwork.co.uk
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