Overall pass rates were published today by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) as schools and colleges received their results through the post of via the internet. 

The SQA figures showed the highest pass rates since the exam structure was changed in 2000.  Pass rates for Highers rose from 71.7 per cent last year to 73.4 per cent while those for Standard Grades rose from 97.6 per cent to 98 per cent.  At Advanced Higher level the proportion of students passing increased from 74.6 per cent to 75.8 per cent.   

More than 158,000 students studied for qualifications this year, up from 156,000 last year.  Entries for Standard Grades have fallen while entries rose in all other levels, particularly at Access and Intermediate. 

Commenting on the results Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: 

"I want to congratulate pupils all over Scotland for their achievements today. I know today's results represent months of dedication and hard work by them and their teachers, combined with support of their parents and friends have resulted in the certificates they have received today.

"As Scotland's young people continue to aim high and achieve  so much, we can look to a future where Scotland is smarter and we can compete on equal terms with the rest of the world, even in these difficult economic times. The continuing healthy uptake and attainment in science and modern languages by our young people demonstrates the continued drive to make Scotland a more competitive place to do business."  

Conservatives Spokesperson for Schools, Liz Smith MSP said:

"I warmly congratulate all those pupils who have been successful in achieving their examination passes, much deserved for their dedicated application to their studies over the duration of their coursework, and I also congratulate their teachers for the hard work which they put in day after day to ensure that their pupils are well prepared.

"Examination success remains a vital component of a youngster’s preparation for the work place and I know pupils and parents all across Scotland expect an exam system that is both rigorous and fully consistent with the demands of employers, colleges and universities, and not just those in Scotland. That is why I am pleased that the Cabinet Secretary has been forced to revise the SQA examination system so that there are higher standards in the 3Rs as well in the different subject areas."