'Resilient and impressive': Glasgow pupils celebrate exam success

Acting Headteacher Hugh Waugh said: “We are absolutely delighted, especially when you consider that these young people spent second and third year - really vital years in terms of preparing for senior school - coping with the Covid lockdowns.

“Fifteen percent of our S5s - 14 pupils in total - achieved five Highers, which is our highest ever result.”

He added: “Equally, almost one in three of our pupils attained five National 5s, an important doorway to the senior stage. We are very proud of every young person - this is a reflection of their hard work, their commitment and their resilience.

Kayla, Erin, Jenifer and Daniel are celebrating at Castlemilk High (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest)

“We are blessed with staff who are committed to helping our pupils succeed, a very strong group of parents who support the school and a supportive community here in Castlemilk.”

Mr Waugh added: “This community does face challenges, but our young people do not let that define them. They are as ambitious as any other pupils anywhere and we as a staff work hard to nurture that ambition and help them to attain their goals.”

Acting headteacher Hugh Waugh with some of the pupils who achieved five Highers at Castlemilk High (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest)

Eastbank Academy in Shettleston also recorded its best results in almost 20 years.

Headteacher Jonathan Graham said: “Our records go back to 2004, and this year, on every measure upon which we are judged, we have seen the best results we have had.

“Twenty-seven percent of S4 pupils achieved five or more passes at National 5. In 2019, one pupil achieved five Highers in S5 - this year, that rose to 15.

“We’re delighted, and very proud of all of our young people.”

Glasgow’s education chief has praised the city’s “resilient and impressive” pupils after exam results in the city were published.

Some of the pupils celebrating at Castlemilk High (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest)

Councillor Christina Cannon, city convener for education and early years said: “The good news is the overall attainment and achievements of our pupils this year – they should be so proud of themselves. A shout out to the teachers and school staff who have made the results a success story for Glasgow.”

She added: “We must remember that we are still experiencing the after-effects of the pandemic and the impact this had on our young people.

“But our results today reflect how resilient and impressive our children are.”

The full picture will not be revealed until the appeals process is complete, but a spokesperson for Glasgow City Council said the percentage of fifth year pupils achieving five or more Highers in the city jumped from 11.9% in 2019 - the last year before the pandemic hit and exams were disrupted - to 15.5%.

She added S6 results are up across all indicators at Higher level. The number of young people in S6 achieving more than five Highers rose from 23.9% to 25.9%. For three Highers, it increased from 36.9% to 39.8% and for one Higher at S6, it rose from 58.9% to 60.8%.

Across the country, more than 144,000 young people received their grades for National 4s and 5s, Highers and Advanced Highers.

The pass rate at all levels has fallen slightly from 2022, but is higher than the pre-Covid 2019 level of 74.8%.

SQA's chief executive Fiona Robertson said: "This year does not mark a return to normal for learners and educators.

"But it marks another significant and positive step on the path back to normal awarding following the years of disruption to learning and teaching caused by the pandemic.

"Our sensitive approach to awarding this year was developed with and supported by the education community. It has given learners the best chance of performing to the best of their abilities."

All examinees will be able to access support, including a dedicated helpline, over the coming days.

Councillor Cannon added: “There really is no wrong path and I want to pay credit to Glasgow’s young people today – you are brilliant and keep shining bright.”