schools – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Exam passes up at all levels

“This is a proud day for Scotland’s young people and our education system“

POVERTY-RELATED ATTAINMENT GAP CLOSES FURTHER

Helpline Ready to Support Thousands of Young Scots on Results Day.

Màiri McAllan MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic was in Glasgow today meeting SDS Results Helpline careers advisers ahead of exam results day. Pictured with L to R: Lesley Niven, Lisa Dunn and Greig Paterson

A dedicated results helpline will open today (Tuesday, 4 August at 8am) to support around 148,000 Scottish pupils and students as their Qualifications Scotland results certificates are delivered.

Pass rates for National 5, Highers and Advanced Highers have all increased again, including a record number of National 5 passes. Learners have also achieved a record number of vocational and technical qualifications, up by 121% on pre-pandemic levels.

Congratulating everyone receiving their results today, Education Secretary Màiri McAllan welcomed a narrowing of the poverty related attainment gap compared with both last year and pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

Results Day data, published by Qualifications Scotland for the first time, shows:

a record 269,115 National 5 passes and an increase in Grade A percentages
a second annual increase in the pass rate for all three graded national qualifications – National 5 (pass rate 79.2%, up by 0.8 percentage points), Highers (76.7%, up 0.8 points) and Advanced Highers (77.6%, up 0.9 points)
an increase in the pass rate compared with 2019 for National 5 (up 1 point) and Highers (up 1.9 points)
a narrowing in the poverty related attainment gap for A-C passes across the graded national qualifications, with attainment having gone up for both the most deprived and least deprived areas
increases in pass rates and the percentage of A grades for learners with additional support needs across National 5 and Highers compared with last year and 2024
more than 120,000 vocational and technical qualification awards, a record high and a 9.1% increase on last year.

The Education Secretary said: “This is a proud day for Scotland’s young people and our education system.

“My congratulations go to everyone receiving their results. I know how much hard work and resilience it takes to get here and you all deserve enormous credit.

“These are incredibly positive results across the board, with academic passes up at every level – National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher – as well as record numbers of vocational qualifications. This is testament to the breadth and strength of Scotland’s education system, the professionalism of our teachers and school staff and the hard work of our young people.

“It is particularly pleasing to see another narrowing in the attainment gap between the most and least deprived areas. This builds on similar progress in the gaps for literacy and numeracy levels, as well as for the number of young people entering initial positive destinations, which has narrowed by almost two thirds since 2009-10.

“This is welcome progress but we will not be complacent and will continue to do all we can to close the poverty related attainment gap even further, having empowered headteachers and invested £1.75 billion in the Scottish Attainment Challenge over the past decade, with up to £200 million being invested this year as well.

“Curriculum for Excellence aims to prepare young people for their future in life, learning and work, and today’s results show that it is doing that. The diversity of qualifications – whether they are gained through academic study, vocational and technical learning or work-based opportunities – is equipping young people with the knowledge, skills and attributes needed to flourish in the modern world. And the range is wider than ever, with qualifications in sports, creative industries, childcare, engineering and journalism among others.

*Helpline Ready to Support Thousands of Young Scots on Results Day.*

“For those young people who may be disappointed with their results, I would urge them to remember that there is no wrong path. Teachers, as well as services such as the Skills Development Scotland helpline and Qualifications Scotland Learner Support Hub, are there to help plan your next steps.”

The Results Day data has now been published by Qualifications Scotland.

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.

More than 148,000 learners across Scotland will receive their results today – enabling them to progress onto their next stage in education, training or employment.

In its first year of delivering results for National Qualifications and Awards, Qualifications Scotland confirmed that the 2025-26 session resulted in:

Overall attainment rates at A-C increasing at all levels of National Qualifications (National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher)
The poverty-related attainment gap narrowed at all levels of National Qualifications (National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher)
Total number of vocational and technical qualifications – the skills-based awards that unlock training and career opportunities – continuing to increase to more than 120,000
Learners are achieving more National Qualifications and vocational and technical qualifications – but not to the detriment of one over the other

All learners will receive the traditional envelope through the letterbox containing their results and qualifications certificate. More than 67,000 of them have already received their results via email or text from 8am today, having signed up for the My Qualifications Scotland digital service.

Donna Stewart, Scotland’s Chief Qualifications and Examinations Officer, said: ‘Scotland’s learners should be proud of what they have achieved today – we are certainly very proud of them.

‘These results are a testament to their hard work and commitment. The rise in overall attainment at all three National Qualification levels and the increasing attainment in vocational and technical qualifications will rightly be welcomed in classrooms and staffrooms across Scotland.

‘The diversity of qualifications being achieved today is further evidence of the appetite for skills-based, practical qualifications along with traditional subjects, which give learners a variety of options to develop skills and build work experience that employers are looking out for. It is encouraging to see the number of vocational and technical qualifications continuing to grow to over 120,000.

‘The results for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses are evidence of the stable state of the awarding system with assessments working as intended, ensuring that learners were able to demonstrate what they know and can do.

‘I also want to thank my fellow teachers and lecturers; not only the thousands of them who play a critical role as markers and so make Results Day possible but every educator for the work they do every day to support learners, alongside support workers, parents and carers across Scotland.

‘Today is our first Results Day as Qualifications Scotland, and everyone takes our responsibility to deliver for Scotland’s learners very seriously and we feel privileged to have delivered these results to them today.’

Edinburgh College is hosting an Exam Results Day Drop In event this Thursday (6th August) at its Sighthill Campus. The event will give prospective students the chance to speak to lecturers about their applications and course options ahead of the 2026/27 academic year.

From 10am until 1:30pm, the College’s knowledgeable staff will be on hand to discuss potential options following the release of exam results, allowing students to secure places on courses for the upcoming session. Those students who have changed their mind about their original course choice, or are yet to submit an application for college but would like to study this year, are also encouraged to come along.

The Student Services team will also be available to provide advice on funding as well as the access to learning support available at Edinburgh College.

The College offers a wide variety of courses covering a range of subject areas within the Creative Industries, Construction and Engineering, Health, Wellbeing and Social Sciences, as well as Tourism, Hospitality and Business. Courses are delivered in a variety of study modes too, including full-time and part-time options, offering flexibility for students.

If you’re unable to make the event but would still like to discuss your options, the College will have a dedicated clearing phoneline open from the 4th of August until the 14th, from 9am to 4pm, which can be reached on 0131 297 8300.

It’s Results Day!

Good luck to all students receiving their Qualifications Scotland results today.

Results Day is a chance to celebrate success through more pathways than ever.

Whatever your results, there is no wrong path.

Over 148,000 young people will receive results today
Certificates will be issued for a wide range of knowledge and skills-based qualifications
A free appeals service and a dedicated support hub will be available for learners

Over 148,000 learners across Scotland will receive the results of their Nationals, Highers, Advanced Highers, and Skills for Work Awards on Tuesday 4 August. Learners completing National Progression Awards, National Certificates, and Awards are also certified on Tuesday 4 August and throughout the year.

All learners will receive a copy of their Scottish Qualifications Certificate delivered to their home address by first-class post, while everyone who signed up for and activated a My Qualifications Scotland account will also receive their results by text and/or email the same morning. If learners do not receive their certificate with their post, they can contact their school, college or training provider, who can provide results.

These results will allow young people to take the next step on their learning journey; either continuing at school, moving on to college or university, or entering employment or a workplace-based training programme.

Many of those receiving certification have completed vocational and technical qualifications, and apprenticeships in schools, colleges and other training centres, including Skills for Work Awards, National Progression Awards, and National Certificates, in areas such as Cyber Security, Employability, Hospitality, and Sports Education.

Annette McKenna, Senior Operations Manager at Qualifications Scotland said: “Learners should feel proud knowing their qualifications reflect the effort, knowledge, and skills they’ve worked hard to develop. Colleges, universities, and employers can equally trust in the high standard and integrity that underpins every result.

“If you’re unsure about next steps or just need some support on Results Day, our helplines are there for you. Whatever the outcome, there are plenty of routes forward and many ways to build the future you want.”

Letter: Failing Our Children

Dear Editor

Recent statistics indicating that 12,402 pupils have missed at least half of the school year—enough to fill almost 400 classrooms—should concern us all.

While we support mainstream education wherever appropriate, it can only succeed if schools have the staff and specialist support to make inclusion for those with additional support needs (ASN) meaningful.

More than two out of five (43 per cent) of Scotland’s pupils are now identified as having an additional support need, with numbers more than doubling over the past decade. Yet the number of specialist ASN teachers has fallen. Additionally, as the number of those with ASN experiencing greater complexity of need increases, special school provision may be required, yet the number of such schools has declined.

The link between unmet additional support needs and poor attendance is clear. Too many families are waiting for support while schools struggle with shortages of specialist teachers, classroom assistants, educational psychologists and mental health professionals.

Identifying children with ASN is only the first step. They must receive the timely support needed to attend school, achieve their potential and avoid poorer educational and mental health outcomes.

Scotland urgently needs greater investment to deliver genuinely inclusive education. Without it, we risk failing not only children with ASN and their families, but every pupil and teacher in Scotland’s classrooms.

Yours faithfully

The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition:

Patrick Gannon, Falkland House School

Lynn Black, LOVE Care

Kenny Graham, Spark of Genius

Cole-Hamilton presses Transport Secretary on Echline Slip Roads

Edinburgh North-Western MSP, Alex Cole-Hamilton, has today contacted the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport, Stephen Flynn, urging him to reconsider the Scottish Government’s 2018 decision to restrict the A90 slip roads at the Echline junction.

The restriction has seriously altered traffic movements into and out of Queensferry.

Almost overnight, there was a substantial increase in traffic using Station Road, Bankhead Road, and the B924 – roads that were never designed to accommodate such high volumes of traffic.

Since then, Builyeon Road became the principal route for vehicles entering and leaving the town, which has seriously decreased the safety of the road.

The new housing development in Queensferry at Builyeon Road will cause another diversion at the beginning of 2027, with traffic being re-routed through the residential development and past the new primary school.

Alex has urged the Cabinet Secretary to reverse the previous decision and open the slip roads to all traffic, cutting congestion and, crucially, improving road safety – especially for the young people who cross the road to get to school.

Speaking on the issue, Alex said: ‘The traffic flow in Queensferry has been a burden on residents for too many years now.

Many are having to wait in traffic, with my constituents also telling me how unsafe the road is to cross. This is all while a solution sits ready to be actioned.

Restoring these connections would provide a valuable alternative route for motorists, relieve pressure on the local road network, and reduce the volume of traffic which will pass through a residential neighbourhood and alongside a primary school.

I hope the Cabinet Secretary takes my concerns seriously, and we see a change soon.’

Transport Sec Letter Download

£4.6m new extension transforms Frogston Primary School

A major extension to Frogston Primary School in Edinburgh has been completed, delivering six new classrooms along with additional office and breakout space to support the school’s growing roll.

The original school building, completed in 2021, was designed with future expansion in mind as part of the City of Edinburgh Council’s strategy to cater for several new significant housing developments included in the City Plan 2030.

Foundations were extended at the time to allow the new accommodation to tie seamlessly into the existing substructure. The latest works also include new external facilities and landscaping, with materials carefully selected to match the appearance of the original building.

Structural and civil engineering was provided by Will Rudd, a locally based multi‑award‑winning engineering consultancy.

Frogston Primary now supports more than 500 learners, including around 100 nursery children and 400 primary pupils.

Construction was carried out while the school remained fully operational, with works planned around teaching activities to minimise disruption. The connection between the existing building and the new extension required only minimal alterations to the original fabric, further reducing impact on school operations.

The £4.6m project has been built to an enhanced energy performance standard and will welcome pupils after the summer holidays.

Sebastian Mitel, Project Engineer at Will Rudd Edinburgh, said: “It was incredibly rewarding to help create more space for the pupils and teachers at Frogston Primary.

“Will Rudd has extensive experience delivering education buildings in Edinburgh and beyond. The main challenge was ensuring construction had minimal impact on a busy school environment, and that no learning time was lost.

“This excellent new space is testament to the collaborative work of the design team, the contractor, and the school.”

Lorraine Lawrie, Head Teacher at Frogston Primary School, said: “Our pupils have loved watching the construction team at work, but they are even more excited to explore this new part of their school.

“With more than 500 children attending Frogston, this additional space will help them thrive and enjoy a really positive learning experience.”

Holmes Miller acted as architect, with Henry Brothers as main contractor. Project management and quantity surveying were delivered by AtkinsRealis, landscaping by ERZ, and M&E design by Blackwood Partnership.

Poppyscotland bids a fond farewell to mobile museum ‘Bud’

The nation’s leading Armed Forces charity has announced that its ground-breaking interactive mobile museum, ‘Bud’, has officially retired from the road.

The 18-tonne custom-built truck, which features an onboard poppy making machine, has travelled to all 32 local authority areas across Scotland sharing the story of the Scottish Poppy since its launch back in 2019.

With initial support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and LIBOR funds, over the last seven years Bud successfully welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors. It has attended more than 630 schools, delivered over 1,500 sessions, and reached more than 56,000 pupils.

It has also travelled to over 115 community events with almost 18,000 visitors – engaging nearly 75,000 people overall, challenging assumptions, whilst also teaching people about conflict, peace, and importantly keeping remembrance relevant all year round.

Kerry Crichton, Deputy Head of Learning at Poppyscotland, said: “As Bud reaches the end of its operational lifespan, across the summer we will be finalising an exciting new learning and outreach programme with people who work within education across Scotland.

“This will include an extensive digital archive paired with virtual learning resources and we are excited to be taking this into classrooms in the new term. We are also looking at an assembly offering for schools, and outreach sessions with youth and community groups.”

While the mobile unit will stop touring, the educational resources, historic story of Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory, and interactive tools remain free and accessible online via the Poppyscotland Learning Hub at www.poppyscotland.org.uk/learning

For more information about our new programme, please email:

learning@poppyscotland.org.uk

Artist-in-residence programme inspires next generation of creatives at Merchiston Castle School

Pupils gain rare insight into life as a professional artist through year-long residency

Pupils at Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh have spent the past year working alongside acclaimed Scottish artist Robbie Bushe RSA through a unique artist-in-residence programme, gaining a behind-the-scenes insight into how a professional artist works.

The year-long residency culminated in the unveiling of a major new artwork inspired by the school community at a special exhibition attended by pupils, parents, alumni and leading arts patron Richard Demarco, founder of the Richard Demarco Gallery.

Throughout the year, Robbie worked from a studio space within the school’s Faculty of Technologies & Creative Arts, giving pupils the opportunity to see a large-scale work of art evolve from initial sketch to finished piece, and to experience first-hand how ideas are brought to life.

At a time when creative subjects face increasing pressure in schools, the residency reflects Merchiston’s belief that the arts help young people build confidence, think independently and see the world differently. As technology and artificial intelligence continue to reshape the workplace, skills such as creativity, problem-solving and adaptability are becoming increasingly important.

Robbie joined the school in October 2025 and invited pupils and members of the wider school community to contribute drawings, stories, memories and imagined futures for the school, many of which helped shape the final work.

Polly Prosser, Lead Teacher of Art & Design at Merchiston Castle School, said: “The art and design curriculum encourages pupils to engage directly with artists and artworks, but nothing compares to seeing that process unfold in front of you every day.

“The boys have seen every stage of the journey with Robbie and our small class sizes have meant every pupil has had the chance to speak with him, ask questions and share ideas. It’s been fantastic to see how much they’ve taken from the experience.”

Among them was Chester, a pupil originally from Hong Kong, who incorporated elements of Robbie’s approach into his own coursework, drawing inspiration from his use of storytelling, architecture and memory.

He said: “Through my conversations with Robbie Bushe, I became interested in how different moments in time can exist simultaneously within one image.

“His detailed cityscapes and narrative approach inspired me to layer architectural forms, personal memories and imagined spaces in my final piece, reflecting my experience of migration between Hong Kong and Edinburgh.”

The artwork forms part of a wider series exploring memory, community and the hidden structures that shape everyday life. Drawing on Robbie’s own school experiences alongside stories and ideas contributed by the Merchiston community, the painting features familiar landmarks, imagined spaces and visual references inspired by conversations with pupils throughout the year.

Among them are imagined underground train systems beneath the school, hidden worlds within buildings and a gecko peering from a stack of library books – ideas that emerged through discussions with pupils during the residency.

Robbie Bushe RSA said: “One of the most rewarding aspects of the residency was the curiosity of the pupils. Their ideas, questions and observations constantly challenged me to look at things differently.

“Artists can sometimes work in isolation. Spending a year immersed in a school community brought a completely different energy to the work and many of the details within the painting grew directly from conversations with pupils.

“Being given the opportunity to work alongside the boys and become part of the daily life of the school has had a real impact on my own practice. The finished piece is as much a reflection of the community as it is of my own experiences and ideas.”

To learn more about Merchiston Castle School, please visit :

https://www.merchiston.co.uk/

New guidance for phone-free learning before law change

Schools urged to ban phones during teaching time ‘as a minimum’

Schools are being encouraged to restrict the use of mobile phones by following updated national guidance, published today ahead of planned legislation to create phone-free learning environments.

Education Secretary Màiri McAllan said schools should introduce restrictions during teaching and learning time “as a minimum”, while also considering implementing whole school restrictions.

Publication of the updated guidance meets a commitment for the first 100 days of the Scottish Government. The guidance sets out how schools should work with the whole community to develop phone-free learning policies informed by children, young people, parents, carers and school staff. It also suggests possible exemptions for pupils with caring responsibilities, medical conditions or additional support needs that require them to use their phones.

A consultation will be launched early in the new academic term on legislation to restrict the use of phones in all of Scotland’s schools.

The Education Secretary said: “We know that mobile phones are causing distraction in the classroom and we must end this so our children and young people can reach their full educational potential.

“Beyond distraction, we know there is a spectrum of other harms associated with the online world from issues with sleep, mental health and loss of concentration through to exposure to harmful, violent or misogynistic content and, in extreme cases, incitement to self-harm, severe bullying and grooming.

“The Scottish Government intends to introduce new laws to restrict the use of mobile phones in schools. As we develop the legislation, I am encouraging Scotland’s education authorities, headteachers and schools to act now, following our refreshed guidance.

“As a minimum, restrictions should apply during teaching and learning time, but schools should also consider implementing a whole school ban. Any steps taken by schools should be informed by consultation with the whole school community, including with pupils and staff.”

COSLA Spokesperson for Children and Young People Councillor Tony Buchanan said: “Supporting our Children and Young People to use new technologies is essential and COSLA supports an evidence-based approach to mobile phones in schools. Councils continue to take steps to ensure that learning environments are safe and healthy spaces for all learners.

“We look forward to working with children and young people and colleagues across Scotland to respond to the full consultation and will work with Scottish Government to carefully consider any proposed changes to ensure our schools continue to be and are positive spaces of learning.

“We must work with our communities, partners and governments and ensure this is not the sole responsibility of schools, rather a whole society discussion on how best to support our children and young people.”

Guidance on Mobile Phones in Scotland’s Schools – Update 2026 – gov.scot

Phone-free learning in Scottish schools – gov.scot

Next steps in curriculum improvement

Biggest update to curriculum in over a decade under way

The most significant reform of Scotland’s curriculum in more than ten years is underway, as the first early samples of new curriculum materials have been shared with councils across the country.

Planned updates to the curriculum, prepared by Education Scotland and co-designed with input from over 1,500 teachers, nursery practitioners, and partners through the Curriculum Improvement Cycle (CIC), will clarify knowledge and progression, making it clearer what children should know, understand and be able to do at every stage of school. 

Discussions are taking place with the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers (SNCT) for two additional in-service days to be offered during the 2026-27 academic year, to help schools prepare for change.

Education Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “The Curriculum Improvement Cycle is driving the single largest update to the curriculum in over a decade.

“The new curriculum will make the place of knowledge and skills clearer. It will drive excellence. It will be taught in schools from August 2028 and it will be benchmarked against international standards.  

“The materials shared by Education Scotland this week are a preview ahead of the full draft curriculum framework later this year, as we work with the profession on implementation from August 2028.

“We are proposing additional in-service days to provide teachers the time and support needed to prepare for these changes which will support Scotland’s young people to reach their full potential in our education system.

“These will form part of wider support up to 2028 to ensure teachers can fully engage with the updates and how they can use them in the classroom.” 

TES Awards: Edinburgh school named Primary School of the Year

South Morningside Primary School was recognised in the annual TES Schools Awards 2026 at a ceremony on 19 June at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

The national awards acknowledge the schools and teachers whose work is transforming outcomes for pupils and setting new standards across education in the UK.

South Morningside Primary School, which has over 500 pupils, was recognised for its innovative work to encourage greater community engagement and inclusivity. The school’s child-led and creative approach to learning was also celebrated, with the school offering outdoor learning to every pupil, a range of sports programmes, interventions and extra-curricular activities for all.

This year, the awards saw a record number of nominations – the highest number since the awards began in 2009.

Winners were selected by a panel of experienced school leaders and education experts across 23 categories spanning leadership, teaching, wellbeing, pupil outcomes and innovation.

South Morningside Primary School Headteacher, Grant Gillies, said: “We are so proud of this achievement which represents the collective drive and hard work of our children, staff, parents and the wider community.

“This award represents all the amazing community partners we have – I would like to thank staff and families for their unending support and commitment to our school.”

Councillor James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convenor said: “It is fantastic to see South Morningside Primary School recognised at a national level as primary school of the year.

“It is an incredible achievement which acknowledges the hard work of Mr Gillies and his team. Across all our schools, we want to make sure that every child has the opportunity to get the most of school through an engaging and varied school day – it is brilliant to see South Morningside celebrated as a great example of this.”