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 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."
Background
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.
