Exam results joy

Text messages, emails and the traditional postal envelopes were all received on Tuesday where afterwards Annan Academy students were able to celebrate with family and friends after an anxious few weeks waiting for the notification of results.

Annan Academy headteacher Ewan Murray said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved that has enabled our pupils to achieve the SQA exam results for this year.

“This reflects the hard work and commitment shown by pupils and staff throughout the year to get to this point. I’d like to both congratulate pupils and staff for their efforts.

“I’d also like to express a sincere thanks to all parents/carers and wider family members who provide our pupils with encouragement and support throughout the year.”

The pass rate for exams in Scotland has risen slightly on last year.

Young people across the country — including in Annandale — received their results despite concerns it would be delayed due to Storm Floris.

The number of pupils achieving an A, B or C grade at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher was up across the board when compared with last year.

The SQA also reported a reduction in the attainment gap between candidates from the most and least deprived areas.

The number of pupils with an A, B or C for National 5 qualifications rose from 77.2 per cent last year to 78.4 per cent this year.

The rate for Higher increased from 74.9 per cent to 75.9 per cent, while the rate for Advanced Higher rose from 75.3 per cent to 76.7 per cent.

The pass rates for National 5 and Highers were similar to pre-pandemic levels.

However, the number of students receiving the same grades in Advanced Higher was 3 per cent lower than in 2019.

The SQA said the attainment gap — between the level of qualifications achieved by children from the most affluent and the least affluent areas – narrowed at National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher levels.

The difference in attainment of A to C grades between pupils from the most deprived and least deprived areas stood at 16.6 per cent for National 5 qualifications, 12.8 per cent for Higher and 17.1 per cent for Advanced Higher.

For students who feel there is a mistake in their results, the SQA appeals service is now open.

Learners who need their results to secure a conditional place at university, college, training or employment can submit a priority appeal.

The deadlines are Tuesday, August 12, at 11:59 pm for priority appeals and Tuesday, August 26 at 11:59 pm for all other appeals.

Pupils, parents and carers can contact Skills Development Scotland’s Results Helpline on 0808 100 8000 for help understanding options for what comes next and getting impartial career advice.

Support is also available from Childline for any young person who may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious or just needs someone to talk to. Young people can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or via chat on www.childline.org.uk. Those hoping to attend university but who do not yet have an offer can also make use of the UCAS Clearing service. Universities will offer support for students going through Clearing, and many run their own Clearing Hotlines to help students through the process. UCAS offers tips and advice for contacting universities during Clearing.