Stirling youngsters praised for "impressive" exam results as increase recorded
Stirling's school pupils have been praised for a 'very impressive' set of exam results as youngsters across the region received the big news yesterday (August 5).
Figures revealed by Stirling Council on the SQA results day have shown an increase in the number of pupils picking up five awards or more at National Five level by the end of S4.
The percentage of pupils securing one, three or five Highers by the end of S5 has also improved, as well as those in S6 achieving three or five Highers.
The general upward trend follows the national data, with the qualifications body - set to be replaced next year - claiming that 2025 was a 'landmark year' in terms of attainment for the 147,000 learners across Scotland who received their results.
The convener of Stirling Council's Social Work and Education Committee, Cllr Danny Gibson, said; 'This is a very impressive set of results for our young people and recognition of their hard work and commitment – you should all be very proud of your achievements.
'It's also important to acknowledge the dedication and support of our amazing teachers, school staff and parents and carers in our school communities.
'These results and qualifications will open the door to exciting opportunities for our young people, whether that's further education, training or the world of work. We can't wait to see where your journey takes you next.'
Among those receiving their results on a traditionally tense morning were pupils from Bannockburn High - with the school recording a significant improvement in number of young people achieving five or more Highers in S5.
The school's head teacher, Karen Hook, said: 'We are incredibly proud of our all of our students' achievements this year – their hard work, resilience, and determination have truly paid off.
'These results reflect not only their commitment but also the dedication of our entire school community.'
Scotland's Chief Examining Officer, Donna Stewart, also added her words of congratulations to the country's young people as she reflected on improvements in the overall picture - including an increase in attainment across all levels of National Qualifications.
Ms Stewart said: 'Scotland's learners should be rightly proud today – and we are proud of them.
'Their hard work and commitment has made 2025 a landmark year.
'The rise in overall attainment at all three National Qualification levels will rightly be welcomed in classrooms and staffrooms across Scotland. Higher entries have also risen beyond 200,000 for the first time since Curriculum for Excellence was introduced.
'The number of vocational and technical qualifications passed the 100,000 landmark for the first time, with record numbers of learners embracing the wide range of skills-based learning that schools, colleges, teachers and lecturers are working so hard to offer and that employers are crying out for.
'2025 has also seen the poverty-related attainment gap narrow at all levels of national qualifications. We welcome that progress towards the shared national mission to reduce inequality.
'All of those achievements are to be celebrated – and they belong to Scotland's learners.
For those in need of advice or support following results day, a specialist helpline has been set up to help.
Skills Development Scotland's 'results helpline' went live at 8am yesterday and will be open until Friday (August 8), with expert advisers o hand to discuss issues including course vacancies at UK colleges and universities, confirmation and clearing, advice about foundation, modern, and graduate apprenticeships, jobs, volunteering, or staying on at school.
The helpline can be contacted on 0808 100 8000.
Cllr Gibson added: 'While this will be a day of celebration for some of our young people, others may not have achieved the results they had hoped for and may be feeling disappointed or anxious.
'Please remember that exams results are just one small part of your journey, and support is available to help you take the next steps with confidence, regardless of what path you are considering.'
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