Almost 3,400 pupils in North Ayrshire received their long-awaited exam results yesterday – and the early signs are positive.
North Ayrshire Council confirmed senior pupils in the region have been awarded a total of 15,011 qualifications which is up more than 100 on last year.
Traditional SQA exams returned to schools after two years of alternative certification models brought about by the Covid pandemic.
And a breakdown of awards shows success at a range of levels.
In S4, more National 5 awards were gained than last year with almost half of all learners achieving at least four Nat 5 qualifications and 22 per cent achieving at least seven.
Education chiefs say this is a significant improvement on pre-pandemic levels.
A total of 3,764 Higher awards were achieved which is in line with the six-year average; 552 awards were achieved at Advanced Higher level, surpassing previous achievements at this level.
Further analysis of this year’s attainment is ongoing and a report on the attainment levels of all school leavers will be presented to the council's cabinet in the future.
Councillor Shaun Macaulay, cabinet member for education and young people, said: “The pandemic has made it another challenging year for our young people and their families.
"The Omicron variant caused disruption across the country and yet I have been struck by how determined our young people and school staff have been to ensure that this year’s results were as strong as possible.
"I know many of our pupils were anxious, but I also know about the incredible support they received from their families and the staff in our schools.
“I would like to congratulate all our pupils receiving their results – I am immensely proud of their achievements. And I would also like to thank our teachers and support staff for all they have continued to do to help our young people achieve success."
Cllr Macaulay continued: “Of course, I recognise that a number of pupils will be disappointed with their results, but we want to make sure that every pupil in North Ayrshire is supported with their next steps.
“Teachers and school leadership teams will be available to discuss options over the coming days and at the start of term. We are promoting the message that there is ‘no wrong path’ and that there are many routes to future success beyond school, regardless of what appeared on certificates today.
“If you need to talk to someone about your results, there are numerous groups and people out there who can listen and provide excellent advice and support.
“The Skills Development Scotland national exam result helpline is free to contact and staff at your school are there to help too.”
The SDS results helpline number is 0808 100 8000. Advisers will have access to information on course vacancies at colleges and universities; Confirmation and Clearing; advice about foundation, modern and graduate apprenticeships and jobs; volunteering; training or staying on at school.
The dedicated SDS exam results helpline will be open on the following days and times.
- Friday, August 12 – 9am to 5pm
- Monday, August 15 to Wednesday, August 17 – 9am to 5pm
Other helpline numbers include ChildLine – 0800 11 11; Breathing Space – 0800 83 85 87; Samaritans – 116 123; Parentline – 0808 028 22 33.
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