Tag: Scottish Government

AI specialist embarks on US-UK exchange to improve diversity in computing

A University of Edinburgh academic and AI specialist will spend a term at one of the top universities in the world this autumn in order to explore ways to encourage more young people from disadvantaged groups to study computing.

Fiona McNeill has been awarded an All Disciplines Scholar Award from the Fulbright Commission and will head to California, the home of Silicon Valley, as part of an academic exchange.

The number of girls studying computing is falling and researchers have warned that the continued male dominance of the digital space could harm the UK’s aim to be a technology ‘superpower’.[1]

Fiona McNeill, a Reader in Computing Education, already runs a tutoring programme for pupils in disadvantaged communities and introduced one of the first robotics competitions for schools. 

Her award at the University of California, San Diego is part of the longstanding US-UK Fulbright Commission exchange programme and she will be furthering her research at first hand on how UC San Diego has successfully broadened the appeal of tech subjects.

Co-funding this Fulbright award is the Rita Allen Foundation, a US philanthropic funder of transformative early-stage research ideas and civic engagement.

And this North American foundation has invited Fiona to join their pioneering Civic Science Network as a Civic Science Associate – addressing biases and fostering inclusivity in research environments.

Fiona McNeill said: “The fundamental problem is that computer scientists are not very diverse. The discipline tends to be dominated by white and Asian males from more affluent social backgrounds.

“Correcting that imbalance is really important because this technology is driving society.  For example, when Apple[2] developed its ‘Health’ app, there was no tracking of periods. The fact that this could be important hadn’t crossed the minds of its male designers. Similar issues come up all the time everywhere.”

Fiona began her career working in AI but has always been interested in education and how to broaden the appeal of computing. She will use her time in San Diego to study the inclusive policies introduced there, why they work and whether they would be equally successful if replicated in Scotland.

Fiona added: “I’ve been doing collaborative work with UC San Diego for a couple of years now. They’ve changed their student support model and we’ve been working together to see how students are responding to that.

“They’ve had a lot of success, however the environments are very different.  I wanted to spend time there to experience it for myself and see what we might be able to copy.

“For this project I’ll be looking at what we can do to improve retention and outcomes for those who go to university. For example, as well as being less likely to take computing in schools, girls are more likely to drop out once they get to university and more likely to end up in a job in a different sector.

“We need to create an environment where girls and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds feel ‘this is the place for me’.”

The US-UK Fulbright Commission was established in the aftermath of the Second World War to foster better understanding between the US and the UK, and promote the empathy gained from cultural immersion.

Active in 150 countries, the Fulbright programme is the largest international education exchange in the world: more than 370,000 people have participated in it globally since it began, and over 25,000 have received US-UK Fulbright awards. 

Sixty-two Fulbright alumni have won Nobel Prizes; 88 have won Pulitzer Prizes and 40 have served as head of state or government.

Maria Balinska, Executive Director of the US-UK Fulbright Commission, said: “Our vision is a world where there are no obstacles to learning, understanding and collaboration.

“Today there are many global challenges to overcome, and the world needs compassionate leaders to tackle them.

“This year’s cohort of awardees will be placing cultural engagement at the heart of their experiences as they undertake ambitious study and research programmes in the US: I am filled with hope for the wonderful collaborations that will ensue.”

Elizabeth Christopherson, President and CEO of the Rita Allen Foundation, said: “The Rita Allen Foundation is pleased to partner with the US–UK Fulbright Commission to support trailblazers co-creating a future where all people can shape science to expand its benefits and horizons.

“We are eager to welcome Fiona to the dynamic community of Civic Science Associates and Fellows working to create new bridges for learning across sectors and communities, using the tools of science and evidence to open access for new generations.”

Fiona McNeill will join a cohort of 31 Fulbrighters heading to the USA from the UK for 2024-25 and is one of a long line of over 600 Fulbright awardees that have headed to California since 1949.  

Public Protest: Plans remain in place to keep communities safe

First Minister John Swinney held further talks with Police Scotland yesterday to receive a further update on preparedness should any disorder emerge in Scotland over the weekend.

Throughout the week the First Minister has remained in regular contact with Police Scotland to discuss the ongoing situation and support work to promote community cohesion across the country. 

Earlier this week he brought faith and refugee community leaders together and held talks with leaders of political parties and Police Scotland to unequivocally condemn all forms of violence, prejudice and Islamophobia. 

The First Minister has also written to X, Meta and TikTok to ask what action they are taking to combat the spread of misinformation, and to address racist and hateful material on their platforms.

The First Minister said: “The last few days have been a challenging and worrying time for many with the scenes of violence unfolding in other parts of the United Kingdom.

“I would like to thank Police Scotland for their continued work to protect our communities. Their ongoing engagement across Scotland and enhanced patrols are vital to support community cohesion and ensure public safety.

“We remain vigilant to the potential for disorder in Scotland and I have been reassured by Police Scotland that it has the capability and resources in place to respond should we face similar challenges, and that plans and preparations are in place to ensure everybody is kept safe.

“While officers and staff are doing their part to keep us all safe – there is no place in Scotland for hatred of any kind, and each of us has a responsibility to confront racism and religious prejudice, including islamaphobia, wherever and whenever it appears, and do all we can to strengthen community cohesion.”

Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie said: “Officers right across Scotland continue to provide reassurance to communities across the country through enhanced patrols and direct engagement.

“You may see more officers in our towns and cities and we are closely monitoring the situation to ensure any potential for violence or disorder in Scotland is identified quickly and responded to immediately.”

First Minister: Social media companies need to address online hate

John Swinney says action is needed to address misinformation, racism and hateful online material

Following disorder in parts of the UK, First Minister John Swinney has written to X, Meta and TikTok to ask what action they are taking to combat the spread of misinformation, and to address racist and hateful material on their platforms:

From: First Minister John Swinney

To:  X, Meta and TikTok

This week I met with representatives of faith and refugees groups to show solidarity with communities around the country.  They were clear to me about the impact of social media in spreading misinformation, raising alarm and the sense of threat in their communities.

I also met with Scottish political party leaders and Police Scotland representatives to discuss the situation in Scotland and the rest of the UK.

Police Scotland described social media posts that contain deliberate misinformation, with provocative and incendiary language with some potentially meeting the threshold for charge under Scotland’s hate crime legislation that came into effect in April this year.

It is clear to me that social media platforms have a duty to take action to ensure that individuals in our society are not subjected to hate and threatening behaviour, and that communities are protected from violent disorder.

I was struck by the communication from Ofcom this week reminding social media companies of their obligation to remove material that incites hatred or violence.

All political parties in Scotland stand together in resisting the prejudice and islamophobia that we have seen on the street in parts of the UK and online. 

Everyone has a role in stopping the spread of misinformation.  You and your platform have a specific responsibility to do so.

I would therefore be grateful if you could outline the action you are taking to combat the spread of misinformation on your platform and what steps being taken to address racist/hateful speech across your platform.  Given the seriousness of the situation action needs to be immediate and decisive. 

Police Scotland has specifically raised with me concerns about the time it takes for problematic posts to be removed when these are identified by law enforcement agencies. This increases the risk of spread of malicious content. I would wish to understand the steps you are taking to address this, particularly for content that police identify as illegal or harmful.

I am copying this letter to Peter Kyle MP, the Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport.

Social security support as children prepare for back to school  

Parents and carers are being encouraged to check their eligibility for financial support as the summer holidays end and they prepare for their children going back to school.  

Extra costs, including new shoes, stationery and lunch boxes, can soon add up.   

The five family payments administered by Social Security Scotland can help pay for extra back to school expenses alongside everyday family costs like food, clothing and days out.  

This includes the Scottish Child Payment, a weekly payment of £26.70 for eligible families with children up to 16. The payment is unique to Scotland and is supporting over 329,000 children and young people. 

The three Best Start Grant payments and Best Start Foods, also part of social security support, are designed to help families at key stages in their children’s early years, including during pregnancy.  

There is no cap on the number of children in one family who can receive these payments.  

Up to the end of March 2024, over £829 million has been provided to families across Scotland through the five family payments.  

Speaking at Home-Start Dundee, a charity that helps families with young children, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said: “The most important priority for our government is eradicating child poverty, and we are committed to easing the pressure on families by getting vital money into their pockets at key stages in their child’s life.  

“Whether it is helping families to buy healthy foods during pregnancy and for their kids as they grow, pushchairs to help on the move, or new shoes and clothing for school, our payments are there when they need it most. 

“We’re already supporting thousands of families across Scotland through our five family payments, and wider Scottish Government support is also helping to protect them as much as we can from the impacts of the cost of living crisis. 
  
“Even if you are working you could still get these payments and I want to encourage everyone to check if they are eligible and access the money they are entitled to.” 

Estelle Coulthard, Family Support Coordinator at Home-Start Dundee, said: “We are a local charity providing support for families with young children across Dundee that face daily challenges in life. We’re there to provide support as they learn to cope, help improve their confidence and build better lives for their children.

“We are responsive to the individual needs of families, and this includes helping to make parents aware of the financial support they are entitled to and work with them to complete application forms for financial assistance. 

“We know parents who have struggled to purchase everyday items such as formula and healthy foods for their children but the support they have received through the five family payments meant they no longer have to worry about feeding their child.

“The first five years between birth and school are vital for a child’s development and the five family payments make a huge difference to the beginning of a little one’s life, supporting parents to have the funds to purchase the necessities they need. Without these payments, families would not survive the constant rise in the cost of living in Scotland.”

UK disorder – Police Scotland update

EDINBURGH INTERFAITH ASSOCIATION SPEAKS OUT

Police Scotland continues to engage with our communities to offer reassurance following violent disorder in other parts of the United Kingdom.

Officers continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure any potential for violence or disorder in Scotland is identified quickly and responded to immediately.

Today (Wednesday 7 August, 2024) Chief Constable Jo Farrell met with the First Minister John Swinney MSP along Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie in Edinburgh.

Our Chief is also meeting with community groups in Glasgow to listen to their perspectives and offer reassurance.

Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie, Gold commander for our policing response, said: “We understand the concern and officers right across Scotland are providing reassurance to communities across the country through enhanced patrols and direct engagement.

“We continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure any potential for violence or disorder in Scotland is identified quickly and responded to immediately.

“Policing in Scotland has strong relationships with the public and we are grateful for the ongoing support of our communities.

“We are aware of a number of potential protests, and counter protests, over the coming weeks, which will be policed appropriately but we are not going to speculate on or add publicity to individual potential events.

“I would also encourage everyone to be responsible in their use of social media and not to share speculation or inaccurate information. Please think twice about what you read, share and believe from online sources.

“Police Scotland is a rights-based organisation, and our role is to ensure public safety while balancing the rights of protesters who wish to peacefully demonstrate. We encourage anyone with concerns or information to contact us through 101.

“Violence and disorder is not legitimate protest and anyone who engages in disorder will be dealt with swiftly and robustly.

“Our thoughts continue to be with those affected by the appalling violence which has been experienced in some communities and with our brave colleagues in UK policing.

“We continue to be in close touch with other UK police services should requests for support be required.”

FIRST MINISTER MEETS FAITH LEADERS

First Minister John Swinney has held positive talks to provide further reassurance to people across Scotland in the context of ongoing disturbances and disorder in parts of the UK.

The First Minister met with representatives of faith and refugee groups at Bute House this morning to show solidarity with communities around the country.

He then met with Scottish political party leaders and Police Scotland representatives to discuss the situation in Scotland and the rest of the UK. 

Speaking after the meetings, the First Minister said: “My positive meetings today were intended to provide reassurance that this is a time for solidarity and that we are united in our opposition to anyone who would seek to use disorder to divide people.

“I have drawn together faith leaders from across communities in Scotland to express our solidarity together – we respect each other and we want everybody to be safe within our society.

“I have also brought together leaders of political parties in Scotland for a briefing with Police Scotland to enable the police to set out the work they are undertaking to keep people safe in Scotland, should we face any events of the type that we have seen in other parts of the United Kingdom.

“The displays of violence, prejudice and Islamophobia seen in other parts of the United Kingdom have no place in democratic society, and I want to reassure people in Scotland that we have plans and preparations in place to ensure everybody is kept safe.

“We are absolutely not complacent and remain vigilant. I am in regular contact with the Chief Constable who has reassured me that Police Scotland has the capability and resources in place to respond should we face the same challenges.” 

The First Minister met with representatives from the following faith and refugee groups this morning:

  • Scottish Hindu Foundation
  • Scottish Association of Mosques
  • Scottish Council of Jewish Communities
  • Senior Rabbi, Giffnock Newton Mearns Synagogue
  • Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society
  • Scottish Episcopal Church
  • Church of Scotland
  • Muslim Council of Scotland
  • Scottish Refugee Council

The First Minister also met with:

  • Jo Farrell (Chief Constable, Police Scotland)
  • Alan Speirs (Deputy Chief Constable, Police Scotland)
  • Gary Ritchie (Assistant Chief Constable, Police Scotland)
  • Douglas Ross MSP (Scottish Conservatives)
  • Anas Sarwar MSP (Scottish Labour)
  • Lorna Slater MSP (Scottish Greens)
  • Patrick Harvie MSP (Scottish Greens)
  • Alex Cole Hamilton MSP (Scottish Liberal Democrats)

Secretary of State for Scotland @IanMurrayMP has also written to reassure Scottish faith communities and underline there is no place in Scotland for racism, bigotry, or the politics of hate:

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A STATEMENT BY EDINBURGH INTERFAITH ASSOCIATION

Support for Rock Trust

The Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust (AVCT) is pleased to announce a donation of £3,000 to Rock Trust, Scotland’s dedicated youth homelessness charity.  

This funding will support Rock Trust’s efforts to expand their services, including increasing housing provision and introducing their innovative Youth Housing Hub model to Glasgow for the first time. 

Rock Trust was formed in 1990 after the discovery that young homeless people had been sleeping rough in the graveyard of St. Cuthbert’s Church in Edinburgh, and since then has grown its operation into Glasgow, the Lothians, Perth and Fife, and is committed to ending youth homelessness.  

In 2023 alone, the organization helped over 1,100 young people to avoid, or move on from, homelessness; like Danny, who came to Rock Trust at the age of 16. 

Danny was living at home with his mum. Their relationship was troubled to the extent that his aunt had referred him to Rock Trust in the hope that their Early Intervention Programme might improve their relationship through 1-to-1 counselling. 

But when an argument between Danny and his mum eventually turned violent, it became clear that he was no longer safe. Rock Trust were quickly able to move him into a shared flat with other young people and a supportive flatmate. 

Danny’s support worker has helped him to access financial support and explore his potential. He has started going to art therapy and has completed an external employability course. 

At 16, Danny didn’t just need a home, he needed help to process everything that had happened to him, help to discover his potential, guidance on developing essential life skills, and ultimately help to make the transition to adulthood. 

Speaking of his experience with Rock Trust, Danny said, “I am more free, I’m happier, and I’m treated like an actual person. I’ve been given opportunities to do stuff and meet new people.  

“I think I’m a better person, less antisocial. A lot of bad stuff would have happened if I didn’t have the Rock Trust. I’ve even got a better relationship with my mum now we don’t live together.” 

The charity focuses on three strategic pillars: prioritizing prevention, increasing housing availability, and ensuring a focus on future opportunities for young people.  

Calum Wright, Trusts and Grants Fundraising Lead at Rock Trust, highlighted the urgency of their work: “Scotland is facing a housing emergency which is disproportionately affecting our young people.

“At Rock Trust, we believe that accommodation, support, education, and employment are the best routes off the streets and away from the misery that accompanies homelessness.

“Thanks to supporters like the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust, we can help more young people avoid, survive, and move on from homelessness for good.” 

This donation from the AVCT will play a crucial role in Rock Trust’s mission to combat youth homelessness amid rising costs, cuts in statutory funding, and an increasingly competitive fundraising environment. 

David Facenna, Corporate Culture Director at Allied Vehicles Group, expressed his support, stating: “Homelessness is a heartbreakingly real prospect for many young people and a frightening reality for others.

“We are proud to support Rock Trust in their vital work to provide immediate and effective assistance to those in need and to help them build a stable future.

Our contribution aims to ensure that more young people have access to safe housing and essential ongoing support to rebuild and lead healthy, independent lives.” 

Record number of Scottish students secure university place

Number of students from most deprived areas also hits new high

A record number of Scottish students have secured places at a Scottish university this year, UCAS figures show. Acceptances to Scottish institutions for home students increased by 7% to a new high of 31,220, according to the latest UCAS statistics.

There has also been a 12% increase in acceptances from the 20% most deprived areas in Scotland (SIMD), to all UK universities, up 540 on last year to a record 5,080.

Overall acceptances to Scottish providers is 35,930. This is an increase of 1,910 (+6%) since last year.

Minister for Higher and Further Education Graeme Dey said: “It is hugely encouraging to see a record number of Scottish students from our most disadvantaged communities getting into university.

“This demonstrates the strong progress being made on widening access to higher education and ensuring every young person in Scotland has an equal chance of success, no matter their background or circumstance.

“We have also seen overall acceptances for Scottish students reach a new record high. These figures show the great strength and resilience of Scotland’s education system.

“Our resolute commitment to free tuition and our enhanced student support offering ensures that access to university remains based on the ability to learn and not the ability to pay, ensuring that the opportunity of a university education is available to everyone, regardless of their background.”

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray commented: “Worrying that attainment is at its lowest ever level, and the gap between rich and poor at its highest.

“Today’s results show the pass rate has fallen for everyone, but have collapsed for the most disadvantaged.

“Scotland’s teachers and pupils deserve much better than this.”

Scotmid stores to take part in campaign to tackle underage drinking

Scotmid Co-operative, is bringing the “It’ll Cost You” campaign, which highlights that buying alcohol for children could result in a fine or jail time, to stores across Edinburgh.

Through its partnership with Police Scotland, the Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership (SAIP) and Community Alcohol Partnerships, the retailer aims to serve a duty of care within the community by protecting children from the harms of underage drinking.

Throughout the school holidays, radio adverts will be played over the in-store radio, ensuring that shoppers understand the legal implications of buying alcohol for under-18s. Scotmid is also displaying campaign graphics on digital screens, highlighting the consequences of proxy alcohol purchases.

Ian Lovie, Scotmid Compliance Manager at Scotmid said: “Our role in the campaign is to make our customers in our communities understand the implication of purchasing alcohol for under 18s.

“The campaign is a great example of working together with local law enforcement, to make the communities we serve safer.”

Superintendent Joanne McEwan, Police Scotland, said: “This campaign showcases the benefits of key partners working together to inform the public of dangers associated with underage drinking, as well as the criminal consequences for supplying those under 18 with alcohol.”

Luke McGarty, Chair of the SAIP Campaigns Group and Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Scottish Grocers Federation, said: “Proxy purchasing is not an easy crime to detect and retailers are the first line of defence in reducing underage drinking and anti-social behaviour linked to alcohol.

“The ‘It’ll Cost You!’ campaign fits perfectly with SGF’s position of promoting responsible community retailing. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners on the campaign again this year.”

Grahame Clarke, Community Alcohol Partnership Coordinator, said: “The campaign gives us an opportunity to spread the ‘It’ll Cost You!’ message in local communities, highlighting the dangers of buying alcohol for young people.

“We look forward to working with Police Scotland and the Police Scotland Youth Volunteers to make sure that this messaging is carried through all our engagement activity this summer.”

Siobhian Brown MSP, Minister for Victims and Community Safety, said: “I welcome the return of a campaign that successfully illustrates the value of strong collaboration and regular engagement between partners, which help to deliver shared aims to help reduce underage drinking and anti-social behaviour in our communities.”

The campaign will run throughout summer 2024. For more information, visit: 

https://www.itwillcostyou.com/

Pupils receive exam results

Wide range of achievements celebrated

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth has congratulated students across Scotland as they receive their Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) exam results.

Around 145,000 students – the highest since 2015 – have achieved a wide range of qualifications including National 5, Highers, Advanced Highers and SQA Awards.

With this year marking the return of full coursework assessment following the disruption during the pandemic, the data published by the SQA shows the pass rates for Advanced Highers are 75.3%, Highers are 74.9% and 77.2% at National 5 level.

A record 90,045 vocational and technical qualifications have been awarded this year, an increase of almost 25% on 2024, reflecting the wide range of opportunities available to students.

The data also shows the poverty-related attainment gap at National 5 and Higher has returned to levels broadly similar to 2019 – the last year of pre-pandemic results.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “Congratulations to all of Scotland’s young people receiving their results for this year.

“Their resilience is remarkable, and their achievements all the more impressive given the significant disruption to learning due to the pandemic at the end of primary school and start of the secondary school journey. Today is a chance to celebrate the full breadth of achievements attained by Scotland’s young people. 

“I also want to give my thanks to the teachers, lecturers and staff in our schools and colleges – and, importantly, Scotland’s parents and carers – for supporting each individual young person.

“Among those achievements, I’m really heartened to see a record high 90,045 vocational or technical qualifications have been awarded this year, up almost a quarter on 2023’s results.

“Young people now have a much wider range of choice than ever before, allowing them to find the route into employment or further education that is right for them and we know that the poverty related gap has reduced by 60% since 2009 for young people leaving school and going on to a positive destination, such as work, training or further study.

“Of course Scotland is not unique – and like countries the world over, our education system is still in recovery from the pandemic. Undoubtedly, that has contributed to some of the variability we have seen in results this year, particularly with the full return to qualifications requirements for the first time since the pandemic.

“I am determined to work with our teachers, school staff and local authorities to drive further improvements in our schools.

“The curriculum improvement cycle is already underway, with mathematics and numeracy being prioritised first, which is being led by the recently appointed new national specialist in Mathematics.

“In the coming weeks, I will publish the Behaviour Action Plan, set out new action to improve attendance and confirm the Scottish Government’s next steps on qualifications reform early in the new parliamentary term.

“I am also conscious that there is a wide degree of variation in results between our 32 local authorities.  To that end, I will be meeting with all local authority Directors of Education, the Chief Examiner and the interim Chief Inspector to consider the context of these results and how the Scottish Government can work with our councils to drive the improvements we all want to see.”

Levels of attainment for pupils across Edinburgh remain above those achieved before the Covid pandemic according to exam results released today.

Around 12,390 pupils in the Capital have received their results from the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). This is the first year since 2019 where there are no adjustments to course and assessment requirements. Different assessment models were used in 2020 and 2021 due to the impact of the pandemic.

A total of 44,003 resulted awards were certificated for 12,392 candidates (including special school, adult and mainstream secondary pupils) in over 92 subjects ranging from Accounting to Urdu.

The performance of pupils across Edinburgh was maintained or improved in most measures for National 5 and Higher courses when compared to both 2023 and 2019 performance.

The gap in performance between the least advantaged and the most advantaged pupils has decreased in almost all measures when compared with 2023 and 2019 data.

The number of passes in National Progression Awards have increased by 17%. By broadening the range of learning pathways for young people more personalised opportunities for achievement are being created.

Sanjay Nair (16) who is going into sixth year at Liberton High School said: “I had the vision of going to university since I was quite young and towards the end of this year I decided to stay on for sixth year.

“I’ll go to university next year to make sure I’m ready to go on to study further. I’ve enjoyed Computing Science for a while and I like programming. My Dad does it at home and so I’m delighted that I’ve got the A and Bs at higher I need to make my parents proud and do what I’ve always wanted to do.”

Paige Quin (15) who has just left Liberton High school to go to college to study Childcare said: “Over the last couple of years I’ve done courses in hairdressing and beauty at Granton College and I studied childcare in school.

“I’m excited now to be moving on to college and my goal is to become a foster carer as I think it is really important that all children have the right to a loving and caring environment. I’m really pleased that I got the grades I needed today to do that.

Jenna Braban (17) who has just left Liberton High School to go to Cambridge to study Veterinary Medicine said: “I’ve always wanted to be a vet and I started considering Cambridge as a possibility at the end of fifth year. Going to a summer school made my mind up.

“I’ve had to study so hard to achieve the As I got at advanced higher. I did a lot of interviews and my teachers were a great support during that time. I’m ecstatic about my results and I can’t wait to start my studies at Cambridge after the summer.

Councillor Joan Griffiths, Education Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “I would like to thank all of our school staff who have worked incredibly hard to ensure that our young people were able to perform so well in their coursework and examinations.

“I want to recognise the invaluable support given by parents and carers and most of all I would like to take this opportunity to praise the efforts of our young people.

“Every learner’s journey and achievements are unique to them, we have the ambition that all young people are able to fulfil their potential, reach the highest levels of achievement through the provision of the best possible educational experiences.

“I am particularly pleased that our schools are using a wide range of vocational qualifications, providing pathways for all into positive destinations.”

Additional results analysis

Results by end of S4

5 passes at National 5 or better – 47% (1pp down on 2023).

Results by end of S5

1+ pass at Higher or better – 61% (1 pp up on 2023 and 4 pp up on 2019)

3+ passes Higher or better – 42% (1 pp down on 2023 but 4 pp up on 2019)

5+ passes at Higher or better – 24% (same as 2023 and 4pp up on 2019)

Results by end of S6

1+ pass at Higher or better – 70% (1pp up on 2023 but 4 pp up on 2019)

3+ passes Higher or better – 52% (1pp up on 2023 but 3 pp up on 2019)

5+ passes at Higher or better – 39% (1pp up on 2023 but 3 pp up on 2019)

1+ pass at Advanced Higher – 32% (1pp up on 2023 but 5 pp up on 2019)

Anyone who did not receive the results they had hoped for, or who is just unsure about their next steps, should get in touch with the SDS exam helpline for access to expert careers advice.

First Minister visits Central Mosque

First Minister John Swinney expressed his solidarity following violent scenes in parts of the UK.

With Justice Secretary Angela Constance, he visited the Edinburgh Central Mosque yesterday to meet Imam Habib Rauf, members of the Scottish Refugee Council and the Muslim Council of Scotland, as well as the the wider Muslim community.

The First Minister and Justice Secretary also met with Police Scotland.

Police are continuing to monitor the situation very closely and have reassured us that they are prepared to deal with any similar situation in Scotland should it arise.