Attainment gap narrows as exam results announced
Significant progress has been made to narrow the attainment gap between pupils in the county’s most and least disadvantaged areas at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher levels according to analysis of Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) Attainment Statistics for 2024/25 published earlier this month.
'Results day' is keenly awaited by learners, their families, school and education staff alike. The national statistics give an insight into work to address key issues such as the attainment gap and achievement in schools.
Highlights from 24/25 include:
- young people gained more qualifications than in the previous year. 2757 candidates achieved 14,365 awards compared with 2679/13964 in 23/24
- the attainment gap narrowed at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher levels and more than in the previous year. The largest reduction was recorded at Advanced Higher level where it narrowed by 21 percentage points
- more young people achieved National 2, 3 and 4 levels than in the previous year and the total number of awards also rose
- the pass rate at National 5 and Higher increased from 23/24 and was above the national average. The number of learners taking Advanced Higher was lower than in 23/24 and the pass rate was slightly lower in comparison
- Maths attainment rose by 5% at National 5 and 6% at Higher levels compared to 23/24, both above the Scottish average
- English attainment remained consistent with the previous year at National 5 and Higher levels which, again, were both above the Scottish average
School level analysis has been shared with all secondaries to support their own work and future planning. The full national results are available from SQA's website.
'Tackling inequality'
While congratulating young people on their results, Cabinet member for Education and Children’s and Family Services Councillor Fiona Dugdale also praised families, school teams and education colleagues for the support they provide. She added “I am absolutely delighted to see significant progress in closing the attainment gap between learners in our most and least deprived areas and the improvements in performance at both National 5 and Higher. Academic success should not be determined by postcode and tackling this inequality is vitally important to give all of our young people the best start in life."
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