Around 3,250 senior pupils across North Ayrshire received their exam results today.

And with a total of over 16,000 qualifications being awarded to our pupils this year, North Ayrshire Council said early analysis of the results showed students were "continuing to achieve success at a range of levels in our schools across the authority".

Arrangements for SQA qualifications returned to normal this year for the first time since 2019, following a period of alternative certification models and alterations to arrangements between 2020 and 2023 as a result of the pandemic.

The total number of National 4 and 5 qualifications earned by S4 candidates in 2024 is higher than in the last directly comparable year of 2019.

Almost three quarters of S4 pupils gained at least one National 5 qualification, and almost 200 S4 pupils walked away with at least eight National 5 qualifications or better.

Across 41 subjects this year, there were 4,138 Highers and Advanced Highers awarded to 1,515 candidates in S5 and S6.

While the pass rate remains in line with historic levels, the average number of awards at these levels gained per pupils has increased slightly from previous years

Further analysis of this year’s attainment is ongoing to provide the most comprehensive report on the attainment levels of all school leavers in North Ayrshire.

This analysis will be presented to the council’s cabinet later in the session

SQA results day, while hugely significant, does not present the complete picture of the attainment of our young people.

In line with national developments, North Ayrshire schools continue to diversify and expand their curriculum.

For example, in addition to these results, young people experience success in a growing number of additional courses through other providers, which are resulted at different points throughout the academic session.

Sam Anson, Executive Director of Education, said: “I am incredibly impressed with the achievements of our young people, which I know are the result of significant hard work and dedication on their part.

"I would also like to record my thanks to our fantastic school staff, who have helped to prepare the young people for the assessments and coursework submissions which have led to these qualifications.

"We should also recognise parents, carers and wider families, who have been a vital source of support and encouragement to the young people throughout the year.

“Of course, whilst many will be delighted with their results today, I recognise that some pupils will be disappointed, and we want to make sure that every pupil in North Ayrshire is supported with their next steps.

“As we know, the there are many routes to future success beyond school, regardless of what appeared on certificates today.

"Teachers and school leadership teams will be available to discuss options over the coming days and at the start of term.

"The #NoWrongPath campaign also highlights the different options that are available to young people and aims to show them that exam results are not necessarily the only key to unlocking future success.”

The Skills Development Scotland 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:

  • Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 August – 8am to 8pm
  • Thursday 8 and Friday 9 August – 9am to 5pm
  • Monday 12 to Wednesday 13 August – 9am to 5pm

    Other helpful numbers:
  • ChildLine - 0800 11 11
  • Breathing Space - 0800 83 85 87
  • Samaritans - 116 123
  • Parentline - 0808 028 22 3