The percentage of Stirling district S5 and S6 pupils gaining Higher qualifications this year has increased according to the council.
And the percentage of S4 pupils achieving five awards at National 5 level ‘remains positive and in line with previous attainment’.
The announcement of the 2021 SQA results yesterday (Tuesday) follow the cancellation of formal exams for the second year in a row due to the coronavirus pandemic, with grades based on teacher judgement.
Yesterday Stirling Council praised pupils’ hard work as well as the support of staff, parents and carers, and pointed to figures ‘showing that young people have continued to achieve academic and vocational success, despite a period of significant challenge over the past year’.
Convener of Stirling Council’s children and young people committee, councillor Susan McGill said: “Today’s results are a credit to everyone involved with our schools and demonstrate a high level of commitment and resilience they have all shown during a period of significant challenge in relation to SQA awards and qualifications.
“I would like to congratulate everyone in our schools for helping our young people achieve such excellent results.
“These achievements will help ensure our young people are fulfilling their potential and able to reach a range of positive destinations, whether that’s a modern apprenticeship, the world of work or further education.”
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Vice convener, councillor Christine Simpson, added: “We are all really proud of our young people, staff, parents and carers for maintaining the impressive performance levels across all aspects of the curriculum.
“We also know that this time of year can be stressful and this morning’s results may leave many pupils with further questions about their future. As pupils ponder their next steps, we would like to reassure them that help and support is available via the dedicated helplines to help them plan ahead.”
Scottish Conservative education spokesperson councillor Bryan Flannagan said that now coronavirus restrictions had eased the return to exam-based assessments was vital.
He commented: “Today is the culmination of all the hard work that pupils, their teachers and parents have put in during unprecedented circumstances.
“Every pupil should be immensely proud of their efforts.
“The full details of the results and whether pupils intend to appeal will only become clear over the next few days. I would encourage any pupil who feels they have been awarded an unfair grade to appeal using the guidance provided.
“Given the easing of restrictions and measures by both the UK and Scottish Governments to return to classroom based teaching there is an overwhelming case for a return partially or wholly to traditional, exam-based assessments as quickly as possible.”
Two helplines are open for candidates following the issuing of the results.
Skills Development Scotland has a helpline for young people whose results were either better or worse than expected. Their advisers can offer information on college and university vacancies, employment and training
The helpline (0808 100 8000) will be open 8am-8pm on August 10 and 11, from 9am-5pm on August 12 and 13, and 9am-5pm on August 16 to 18.
Results information and advice is also available from the My World of Work website at myworldofwork.co.uk.
This site provides practical help and links to SQA, UCAS, SAAS and Young Scot.
Meanwhile the SQA have a dedicated information section on their website. This provides information on appeals and offers a range of resources to support those receiving their results.
The information is available at www.sqa.org.uk/results and the SQA can also be contacted on their Candidate Advice Line: 0345 279 1000.
