What a result – positive SQA grades confirmed

ATTAINMENT in Inverclyde is continuing to rise with pupils posting improvements in four out of five assessment categories in their SQA results.

With traditional exams cancelled for the second year in a row due to the coronavirus pandemic, students were awarded their grades based on teachers’ professional judgements taking into account assessment evidence gathered during the school term.

Although the 2021 alternative certification model differs from the system used in 2020, comparative results are up at Advanced Higher and Higher levels with a small decrease in performance in National 5s. 

In S5, over 70 per cent of pupils gained at least one Higher (up 5.5 per cent), almost 46 per cent achieved three or more Highers (an increase of five per cent) and more than a fifth of students gained at least five Highers (a rise of nearly seven per cent).

Advanced Higher successes are also on the up with nearly a quarter of sixth year students securing at least one pass, which is an increase of 1.1 per cent.

There was a slight dip in National 5s but almost 40 per cent of pupils still achieved five or more passes at that level.

Councillor Jim Clocherty, depute leader of Inverclyde Council and convener of education, said: “Today marks an important milestone in the lives of our young people and there will also be a collective sigh of relief for many as the waiting is finally over.
“The headline figures make very pleasant reading and I would like to congratulate everyone who has achieved their goals.

“These results are reward for a lot of hard work by pupils, their parents and carers and staff over several years.”

The positive SQA results come on the back of a challenging year for pupils, parents and staff and tribute has been paid to everyone involved in ensuring education of Inverclyde’s young people continued at a high level.

Councillor Clocherty said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank every member of staff who played such a key role in the education of our young people.

“It is through their dedication that we are able to achieve these kind of results and to give our young people the opportunity to go on and lead rewarding and successful lives.

“Education has always been the priority of the council. Through investment in our fabulous school estate and the professionalism and commitment of staff we are determined to give every single child and young person the best possible start we can.

“I would also like to thank parents and carers for their continued support and for the significant and vital role they play in their children’s education.

“For the young people who may have been disappointed by their results they should remember that every effort will be made to support them to achieve the qualifications they are looking for.

“We have a long and successful track record for helping people into jobs, further education and training and we will use all of that experience to ensure no one misses out.”

Additional results from college based courses are still to come.

Anyone needing further help or support with their results can contact the Skills Development Scotland Results Helpline for free on 0808 100 8000 until Wednesday 18 August or visit www.myworldofwork.co.uk.

Key data

S4

Achieved 5+ Level 5 (National 5) by end of S4

39.7%, decrease of 6.2% on 2020*

S5

Achieved 1+ Level 6 (Higher) during S5

70.5%, increase of 5.5% on 2020*

Achieved 3+ Level 6 (Higher) during S5

45.7%, increase of 5% on 2020*

Achieved 5+ Level 6 (Higher) during S5

21.8%, increase of 6.8% on 2020*

S6

Achieved 1+ Level 7 (Advanced Higher) during S6

23.4%, increase of 1.1% on 2021*

*Please note that a different system for awarding results was in place in 2020.