147,000 young people receive their SQA results
The number of students achieving passes at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher level, as well as in vocational and technical courses, has increased across Scotland this year.
The poverty-related attainment gap has also narrowed at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher level over the 2024-25 academic year, according to the results data published by the Scottish Qualifications Authority.
The number of pupils and students achieving passes in vocational and technical qualifications and awards, such as construction, hospitality and business, has reached a record high of 110,380 – this represents a year-on-year increase of 22.6% compared to 2024.
The pass rate for National 5 and Highers is also up, when compared to both last year and the pre-pandemic set of results, back in 2019, while the total number of Higher entries passed the landmark 200,000 level for the first time since Curriculum for Excellence was introduced in 2010.
Commenting, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “Congratulations to all of Scotland’s school pupils, students and adult learners for all that they have achieved in their qualifications this year.
“These results are evidence of a strong recovery in Scotland’s schools, following the pandemic, with more passes at every level compared to last year. They are a testament to the hard work of learners, teachers and parents and carers.
“It is, furthermore, encouraging to see that the poverty-related attainment gap has narrowed at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher levels. While there is more to do, each success of every young person from the most disadvantaged areas creates a route out of poverty. These results also show the strength of Scotland’s vocational and technical qualifications, which play a key role in preparing so many young people for the future.
“I know that some young people will be disappointed with their results. I want to reassure them that there are a wide range of options and routes for success available, with support on hand throughout this week via the dedicated helpline run by Skills Development Scotland.
“Today is a chance for our young people to pause and reflect on the totality of their achievements this past academic year. I offer my sincere thanks to Scotland’s hard working teaching profession, who work to support them all, the parents and carers whose encouragement can be so instrumental to success, and to the young people themselves – well done.”
Attainment for learners across Edinburgh remain high, with record number of passes in vocational courses
Over 12,860 candidates in Edinburgh received their results from the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) today.
Attainment remains high with sustained performance when compared to 2024 across most key measures, with a significant improvement in the percentage of S4 young people achieving 5 National 5 qualifications with a grade of C or above. The results also show improvement in all measures compared to 2019 (pre-pandemic).
Passes in National Progression Awards (NPA), vocational courses equivalent to National passes, have increased, with more than 1,700 candidates attaining awards in NPA courses leading to a 61% increase in the number of passes at levels 4, 5 and 6. Qualifications were awarded in a range of subjects including stonemasonry, digital media, beauty, exercise and sport leadership and roofing.
A total of 50,923 awards were certificated for 12,864 candidates (includes special schools, adults and mainstream secondary pupils) in over 92 subjects, with an increase in the number of vocational courses offered across our secondary schools.
National 5s saw passes (A-C grades) of 80% and Highers saw passes of 78.5%, this is an increased in pass-rates for 2024 and 2019 (pre-COVID).
Education, Children and Families Convener, Councillor James Dalgleish said: “It has been fantastic to see the wide range of qualifications and awards achieved by our young people, representing the hard work, effort and commitment of learners, and our dedicated teachers and school staff.
“Each and every one of our young people’s journey and achievements are unique to them and today’s results mark the next step in their journey whether that’s to college, university, an apprenticeship or into the world of work.
“We want to provide inclusive, equitable and relevant curriculum pathways into further or higher education and to the workplace for every single learner in all of our schools.
“There is much to celebrate and be proud of in this years’ set of results and my thanks to all those who have supported our learners to this point including school staff and parents and carers.”
Alex Blues – S5 leaver -positive destination with a local building firm, said: “Practical subjects like PE, woodwork and furniture making have been the highlight of my high school experience.
“PE has taught me the value of teamwork while furniture making gave me the chance to develop hands-on skills. Both subjects offered me a chance to grow in confidence. I left school at the end of S5 and have now found employment with a local building firm.
Sneha Gadi – S5 returning to school and hoping to go to university, said: “My time at school has helped me grow into myself, supporting me not only academically but personally too.
“I’ve had many opportunities to explore what I’m interested in and get involved with my community, which has helped my confidence. After school, I’m hoping to study medicine at university and work towards a career where I can make a difference.”
Sam Easton – S5 returning to school and hoping to go to university, said: “I’ve never had a clear idea of what I want to do after school, so I’ve kept my options open, taking on subjects I enjoy in a variety different of areas.
“This year that included Maths, English, Economics, Modern Studies and Art & Design all at Higher level. This year I am hoping to do Maths, Modern Studies and Art & Design at Advanced Higher level.
“Looking forward I would like to go to university and taking Advanced Highers this year would allow me the flexibility to apply to places in England as well.
“I’d like to combine my creativity with a more academic subject if possible and in S6 I will explore how this could be achieved in different courses and opportunities that are on offer.”
Katie – S6 leaver – completed Film and Media NPA and is going on to study at university, said: “I liked that there was lots of choice of subjects and school supported our decisions.
“There were lots of resources and supports available. I’m looking forward to studying film, media and business management at university.”
Skills Development Scotland’s Results helpline is now taking calls for anyone that is unsure on the next steps, whether that is in work, training or further study.