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Like several local authorities, the SQA exam results in Dumfries and Galloway show some variability.
This year, full course assessments were reintroduced for National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher courses. Entries at all levels have increased since 2019, although there has been a slight decrease compared to 2023. At the National 3 and National 4 levels, pass rates were recorded at 88% and 84%, respectively, indicating a minor decline in attainment for National 3, while National 4 presentations show a modest improvement.
For National 5, there has been a slight decrease from last year, particularly in the proportion of A passes, which fell from 34.5% to 31.3%. The pass rate for Higher remains consistent with 2023, however, the number of A passes decreased from 29% to 27.2%. Additionally, the pass rate for Advanced Higher has also dropped from 2023, but the proportion of A passes has experienced an increase from 26.7% to 27.2%.
In S5, 53% of young people achieved at least one Higher. The percentage of those achieving three or more Highers was 32%, and 14% achieved five or more. This reflects an improvement compared to last. This data indicates that the consistent emphasis on the attainment of all learners have contributed positively to outcomes.
In S6, the percentage of young people achieving at least one Higher was 59%, and those achieving three or more Highers was 38%, while 24% achieved five or more. The percentage of young people in S6 achieving one or more passes at the Advanced Higher level was 16%.
Council Leader Gail Macgregor commented:
“First of all, I would like to say well done to all of our young people and remind them that their results do not define the rest of their lives, and support and advice is readily available should anyone require it.
The young people, school staff and partners have worked hard over the last academic year and there are a significant number of individual success stories for our schools and young people, including the increase in the number of young people achieving National Progression Awards and Skills for Work Awards. There are small increases and small decreases in results across the board, so as we always do as a Council, we will take time to reflect and work to improve opportunities and results for our young people in the short, medium and long term.”
