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Daily Record
7 days ago
- General
- Daily Record
Wait over for pupils in West Lothian as exam results are received and continue to improve
Support and guidance is available for anyone who requires help The anxious wait for high school pupils in West Lothian was over as they received their exam results on Tuesday. Pupils have had the opportunity to undertake a wide range of courses either in their own schools or in conjunction with partners through the West Lothian Campus and at West Lothian College. Young people across the local authority area were rewarded for their hard work as Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) National Qualifications and Awards results were received on August 5. Early indications show that the results from senior pupils attending West Lothian's 11 secondary schools have continued to improve across a number of key indicators on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). Pupils in S5 achieving one or more Level 6 qualification, which includes Highers, increased across West Lothian. Both the number of S5 and S6 pupils achieving five or more Level 6 qualifications, such as Highers, also saw rises this year. As well as National Qualifications, pupils have achieved National Progression Awards, HNCs, Skills for Work courses and Foundation Apprenticeships among others. Executive councillor for education, Andrew McGuire said: 'Well done to all of our young people who have received their exam results. Their hard work and commitment to their learning has led to these achievements. 'West Lothian has shown continual improvement in our exam results which is testament to the support that our pupils receive from our schools. 'I would like to thank all education staff for their great work in supporting our young people this year.' West Lothian Council Head of Secondary Education Siobhan McGarty added: 'Once our young people have their results, they may need some advice and support about their next steps with their curriculum and career pathways. Support is available to them through their schools and through organisations such as Skills Development Scotland/ Careers Advisors who are all available to help.' For anyone seeking support and guidance after receiving their results: Talk to your school: School staff will be available after the exam results are released to offer advice and help, particularly for pupils who intend to continue in school education. Skills Development Scotland: For careers advice contact the special free helpline on 0808 100 8000, which is open 9am to 5pm weekdays. You can also visit: My World of Work SQA: For information regarding appeals and more, visit: SQA Website West Lothian College: For information about courses visit: West Lothian College website, contact the admissions Office: 01506 427605 or email: enquiries@ Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS): If you are undecided about your future there is a wealth of advice and information and options available on UCAS website Listen & Link: We all respond differently to important life events, like waiting for and receiving results. At times we may feel relaxed and calm, whilst at others we may feel worried. If you are feeling worried or have not had the results you hoped for please know you can reach out to Listen & Link and speak to one of the team on 01506 283160
Daily Record
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
Exam clash fears prompt change to West Lothian school holidays
The changes will see the Easter holiday moved forward, and will also take account of the council election in early May 2027. Easter holiday dates for West Lothian schools are being changed after concerns were raised about the SQA exam dates. West Lothian council has revised its term dates for the new school year in 2026-27. The changes will see the Easter holiday moved forward, and will also take account of the council election in early May 2027. In a report to the Education PDSP Hannah Haywood, Customer Services Manager said: 'Easter is early in 2027.' She added: 'Proposed dates for session 2026/27 were presented to Education PDSP on 1 April. Consultation on the proposed dates was still under way at that time. 'Four responses were received, two expressing satisfaction with the proposed dates, and two requesting that the Easter Break should be later. 'Since the meeting on 1 April 2025, new information about the SQA time-scales has been provided, and it is now clear that the previously proposed timing of the Easter break would potentially negatively impact on students meeting submission deadlines for SQA awards. She added: ' Easter is early in 2027, and the original proposal was for the schools to break up on Friday 19 March, and resume on Monday 5 April, with the Easter weekend in the middle. 'A new proposal is now being presented, which moves the Easter break to make it one week later, starting on Good Friday 26 March, and resuming on Monday 12 April. 'As the Easter break is now two weeks and one day long rather than two weeks, the new proposal removes the Friday from the September weekend to make sure that we provide the required 190 teaching days in the session.' As ever the West Lothian holidays are unlikely to tie with neighbouring councils, many of which have yet to be confirmed. Chairing the PDSP Councillor Andrew McGuire said he and fellow councillors were unlikely to forget to move an in-service day to the first Thursday in May as this marks the end of their current council term. The in-service day in May 2026 has also been moved from Tuesday 5 May to Thursday 7 May to coincide with the Scottish Parliamentary Election. Term dates for 2026/27 are:- Pupils return: Wednesday 12 August September weekend: Monday 21 September October holiday: Friday 16 October-Tuesday 27 October Christmas holiday: Friday 18 December- Tuesday 5 January Mid Term: Friday 5 February - Tuesday 16 February Easter Holidays: Thursday 26 March - Monday 5 April May Day holiday Monday 3 May Staff in-service Thursday 6 May. The new term dates will have to be confirmed by the Education Executive when it meets in two weeks' time.
Edinburgh Reporter
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Edinburgh Reporter
West Lothian Council revises term dates for new school year in 2026-27
West Lothian council has revised its term dates for the new school year in 2026-27. The changes will see Easter holiday moved forward and will also take account of the council election in early May 2027. In a report to the Education PDSP Hannah Haywood, Customer Services Manager said: 'Easter is early in 2027.' She added: 'Proposed dates for session 2026/27 were presented to Education PDSP on 1 April. Consultation on the proposed dates was still under way at that time. 'Four responses were received, two expressing satisfactions with the proposed dates, and two requesting that the Easter Break should be later. 'Since the meeting on 1 April 2025, new information about the SQA time-scales has been provided, and it is now clear that the previously proposed timing of the Easter break would potentially negatively impact on students meeting submission deadlines for SQA awards. She added: 'Easter is early in 2027, and the original proposal was for the schools to break up on Friday 19 March, and resume on Monday 5 April, with the Easter weekend in the middle. 'A new proposal is now being presented, which moves the Easter break to make it one week later, starting on Good Friday 26 March, and resuming on Monday 12 April. 'As the Easter break is now two weeks and one day long rather than two weeks, the new proposal removes the Friday from the September weekend to make sure that we provide the required 190 teaching days in the session.' As ever the West Lothian holidays are unlikely to tie with neighbouring councils, many of which have yet to be confirmed. Chairing the PDSP Councillor Andrew McGuire said he and fellow councillors were unlikely to forget to move an in-service day to the first Thursday in May as this marks the end of their current council term. The in-service day in May 2026 has also been moved from Tuesday 5 May to Thursday 7 May to coincide with the Scottish Parliamentary Election. Term dates for 2026/27 are:- Pupils return: Wednesday 12 August September weekend: Monday 21 September October holiday: Friday 16 October-Tuesday 27 October Christmas holiday: Friday 18 December- Tuesday 5 January Mid Term: Friday 5 February – Tuesday 16 February Easter Holidays: Thursday 26 March – Monday 5 April May Day holiday Monday 3 May Staff in-service Thursday 6 May. The new term dates will have to be confirmed by the Education Executive when it meets in two weeks' time. Like this: Like Related
Edinburgh Live
11-06-2025
- General
- Edinburgh Live
Exam clash fears prompt change to West Lothian school holidays
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Easter holiday dates for West Lothian schools are being changed after concerns were raised about the SQA exam dates. West Lothian council has revised its term dates for the new school year in 2026-27. The changes will see Easter holiday moved forward, and will also take account of the council election in early May 2027. In a report to the Education PDSP Hannah Haywood, Customer Services Manager said: 'Easter is early in 2027.' She added: 'Proposed dates for session 2026/27 were presented to Education PDSP on 1 April. Consultation on the proposed dates was still under way at that time. 'Four responses were received, two expressing satisfaction with the proposed dates, and two requesting that the Easter Break should be later. 'Since the meeting on 1 April 2025, new information about the SQA time-scales has been provided, and it is now clear that the previously proposed timing of the Easter break would potentially negatively impact on students meeting submission deadlines for SQA awards. She added: ' Easter is early in 2027, and the original proposal was for the schools to break up on Friday 19 March, and resume on Monday 5 April, with the Easter weekend in the middle. 'A new proposal is now being presented, which moves the Easter break to make it one week later, starting on Good Friday 26 March, and resuming on Monday 12 April. 'As the Easter break is now two weeks and one day long rather than two weeks, the new proposal removes the Friday from the September weekend to make sure that we provide the required 190 teaching days in the session.' As ever the West Lothian holidays are unlikely to tie with neighbouring councils, many of which have yet to be confirmed. Chairing the PDSP Councillor Andrew McGuire said he and fellow councillors were unlikely to forget to move an in-service day to the first Thursday in May as this marks the end of their current council term. The in-service day in May 2026 has also been moved from Tuesday 5 May to Thursday 7 May to coincide with the Scottish Parliamentary Election. Term dates for 2026/27 are:- Pupils return: Wednesday 12 August September weekend: Monday 21 September October holiday: Friday 16 October-Tuesday 27 October Christmas holiday: Friday 18 December- Tuesday 5 January Mid Term: Friday 5 February - Tuesday 16 February Easter Holidays: Thursday 26 March - Monday 5 April May Day holiday Monday 3 May Staff in-service Thursday 6 May. The new term dates will have to be confirmed by the Education Executive when it meets in two weeks' time.
Daily Record
04-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
Construction work progressing well at high school in West Lothian with problematic aerated concrete
The project is on track for completion in Spring 2026 Work on a major construction project at a West Lothian high school is progressing well. A new wing is currently being built at St Kentigern's Academy in Blackburn following issues with Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC). The project to re-build a significant proportion of the school is on track for completion in Spring 2026, after over two-thirds of the school had to be demolished due to RAAC. A recent meeting of Council Executive received an update on the project, with the steel frame, concrete floors, and staircases now in place to mark a significant milestone. Contractor Heron Bros is undertaking the construction work on behalf of the council and development partner, Hub South East. Discussions are ongoing with the Scottish Government over support to fund the works at St. Kentigern's. The school's Pupil Voice group has been actively involved in visiting the construction site for updates and sharing them with the wider school community. Executive councillor for education Andrew McGuire said: 'It's great to hear how much progress has been made in re-building a significant part of St. Kentigern's Academy in Blackburn. 'St Kentigern's is a large secondary school that provides education to many young people from towns and villages in the west of West Lothian. 'We can now look forward to the new building at St Kentigern's being open in 2026, which will deliver huge benefits for pupils and staff. 'Thanks to everyone at the school and those involved in the project for their hard work to ensure a major construction project can be delivered quickly with minimal impact on education.' The new building will feature a reception area, spacious canteen and dining area, a four-court games hall, dance studio, fitness suite, and a changing village. Additional facilities will include a performance area, a range of learning spaces, a café and nurture rooms, all designed to enhance the learning environment for the young people who attend the school. The work has been ongoing while the school is operational, with every effort made to keep disruption to a minimum for a project of its scale. A temporary Learning Village has been put in place to support learning, with some PE lessons and SQA exams the only activities requiring additional space off-site.
