Passes at National 5 reach record levels

The number of passes at National 5 has reached record levels, according to the latest figures published as pupils receive their exam results.

Pupils in Scotland’s schools received their exam results on Tuesday, with almost 270,000 receiving a passing grade at National 5, up from around 262,000 last year.

Pass rates for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher also increased across the board, to 79.2%, 76.7% and 77.6% respectively.

The proportion of pupils who achieved an A also rose for National 5 and Higher to 40.3% and 20.9%, while the rate for Advanced Higher fell to 30.9%.

Scotland’s Education Secretary, Mairi McAllan, said the results are “incredibly positive”.

She said: “This is a proud day for Scotland’s young people and our education system.

“My congratulations go to everyone receiving their results. I know how much hard work and resilience it takes to get here, and you all deserve enormous credit.

“These are incredibly positive results across the board, with academic passes up at every level – National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher – as well as record numbers of vocational qualifications.

“This is testament to the breadth and strength of Scotland’s education system, the professionalism of our teachers and school staff, and the hard work of our young people.

“It is particularly pleasing to see another narrowing in the attainment gap between the most and least deprived areas.

“This builds on similar progress in the gaps for literacy and numeracy levels, as well as for the number of young people entering initial positive destinations, which has narrowed by almost two-thirds since 2009-10.

“This is welcome progress, but we will not be complacent and will continue to do all we can to close the poverty-related attainment gap even further, having empowered headteachers and invested £1.75 billion in the Scottish Attainment Challenge over the past decade, with up to £200 million being invested this year as well.”