Moray pupils receive National 5 and Higher results as attainment remains high
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SCHOOL pupils across Moray received their SQA exam results this morning, with a strong overall performance in the area.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the exam diet was cancelled for the second year running with grades being based on teacher assessment.
Grades across S4, S5 and S6 in Moray are broadly in line with last year's and remain up on pre-pandemic sessions.
In S4, although results are similar to 2019/20, there is a record pass rate of 90 per cent. A total of 38 pupils achieved seven or more As in S4 at National 5.
The pass rate for Highers in S5 is also 90 per cent, while the number of pupils to achieve five or more As at Higher is 56 – the highest since 2003.
S6 pupils continue to perform well with the Higher pass rate remaining high at 88 per cent.
A record 40 per cent of S6 pupils achieved an Advanced Higher, with eight pupils in S6 achieving three Advanced Higher As.
Across Moray's secondary schools, 84 pupils achieved at least six As.
Vivienne Cross, Head of Education at Moray Council, is delighted with the results after a "challenging" year.
She said: “I am exceptionally proud of our overall results, as well as individual student awards, particularly given the very challenging year which has had a major impact on our young people.
“Their resilience, tenacity and ability to stay focused during a year of disruption is to be applauded and we congratulate every pupil for each award and grade they have worked hard to achieve.
“Of particular note, is the wide range of qualifications and courses achieved from National 2 to Advanced Higher.
"We pay credit to staff across our schools for working hard to identify relevant courses and qualifications to meet the individual needs of Moray learners.
“We understand for some young people things may not have worked out as they would have hoped. I would say to any young person in this situation that we will do everything we can to support them as they continue to achieve their personal goals and ambitions.
“We wish all young people every success as they return to school or move on to the next stage in their journey.”
At this time, Moray Council awaits further information from the SQA and Scottish Government as to what the exam diet for session 2021/22 will look like.
Once this is known, schools and practitioners will work with pupils and families to ensure that they are fully prepared for the year ahead.
Further analysis on attainment results is ongoing and will be supplemented by Insight Benchmarking Tool data which is normally available in September.
Any pupil requiring support or advice should contact their school in the first instance.
SQA candidate advice line can be accessed on 0345 279 1000.
Young people requiring advice about university places can contact UCAS online on www.ucas.com, on social media or by telephone on 0371 468 0468.
Skills Development Scotland are also on hand to support with next steps through the Exam Results Helpline and are contactable on 0808 100 8000.
