A teenager from Kilmarnock has set a new Scottish record for the number of Advanced Higher passes achieved in a single sitting. Ethan Chan, a former pupil of Grange Academy, obtained nine passes – seven at grade A and two at grade B.
Exceptional results and musical talent
Ethan, who is also a talented pianist and East Ayrshire Council’s current Young Musician of the Year, passed English, Mathematics, Mathematics of Mechanics, Music, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computing Science and Mandarin.
Speaking about his achievement, Ethan said: “When I received my results, I was really happy and very proud, especially after all the hard work that went into them. I didn’t do anything too big to celebrate, but I spent some time with friends afterwards, which was a well-deserved break!”
Praise from council and school
Councillor Elaine Cowan, Spokesperson for Education, and Children and Young People, said: “I have had the pleasure of meeting Ethan, and I can confirm that he is an exceptional young man. I think the most common response to his most recent achievement has been ‘wow’ followed by ‘how is that even possible’.
“It is possible due to his drive and determination to succeed, the encouragement of his teachers – I know that the whole school is incredibly proud, and his family. I can’t wait to see what the future brings for Ethan but for now, I want to offer my sincere congratulations and let him know that we are all incredibly proud, and not just a little bit in awe.”
Next steps at university
Scott Robertson, Head of Grange Campus, said: “The school are so proud of Ethan. He was awarded the school Dux in S5 due to his exceptional results and he has well and truly surpassed this in S6 by smashing the Scottish record for Advanced Higher passes!
“Ethan is clearly an outstanding academic, however we are so proud of the young man he has turned into. Ethan is a humble, values driven young man and an ambassador of Grange Academy. Well done!”
Looking to the future, Ethan will begin studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Strathclyde, a course he said he is “really looking forward to”.
