Pupils across South Lanarkshire received their exam results on national results day, with pass rates increasing from last year and a record number of candidates sitting exams.
Higher and National 5 attainment rises
More than one in five fifth-year pupils achieved five or more Highers, and over 60 per cent achieved one or more Higher passes, both up almost three per cent from last year. A total of 51.79 per cent of S4 learners achieved five or more National 5 qualifications, up by more than three per cent on 2025's figures.
More South Lanarkshire candidates than ever sat exams at the authority's schools, with 62,478 presentations for National 5 exams and 22,904 for Highers.
Council praises learners' hard work
Lyndsay McRoberts, the council's executive director of education resources, congratulated all young people receiving results and said: "These achievements reflect the hard work, determination and ambition shown by learners across South Lanarkshire, supported every day by their families, teachers and school staff.
"This year's results demonstrate many positive outcomes – we have seen strong improvement in Higher attainment, with more young people achieving one, three and five or more Highers, and more than half of our S4 learners achieved five or more National 5 qualifications.
"These results reflect the commitment of our learners and the dedication of the staff who support them. We remain focused on ensuring every young person is empowered to achieve their potential and to progress confidently to the next stage of their education, training or employment."
Support available for learners
She added: "For many learners, today will be a moment of celebration – for others, the results may not be what they hoped for. It is important to remember that there are many different pathways to success and a wide range of opportunities remain available.
"I would encourage any learner who has questions about their results or their next steps to speak to their school and make use of the advice and support available through Qualifications Scotland and Skills Development Scotland. Whatever their results, we are proud of our young people and wish them every success for the future."
Helpline and MSP support
Learners seeking advice or support should contact their school in the first instance, while additional information and guidance is available from Qualifications Scotland on 0345 279 1000 and from this week's free Skills Development Scotland (SDS) results helpline on 0808 100 8000.
Alex Kerr MSP visited SDS's Hamilton base on results day to find out about the work of its results advice helpline, open until August 7, and in supporting with a wide range of employment advice. Staff at the Brandon House centre told how they provide tailored careers advice, apprenticeships, skills planning and employability support for people of all ages, and of their work with local employers to develop skills and create opportunities across South Lanarkshire.
The Hamilton, Larkhall & Stonehouse MSP praised their "fantastic work, both in our constituency and across Scotland as a whole", and said: "SDS provide invaluable help for people of all ages who are looking to access new working opportunities, as well as offering robust support for local employers.
"I'd encourage any young person, parent or carer who has questions about their next steps to make use of the SDS results helpline – whatever your results, there is support available and expert advisers are there to help you explore your options."
National picture
The SDS national helpline is staffed by experienced careers advisers and offers help with queries on UCAS confirmation and clearing, college and university vacancies, apprenticeships, work and training opportunities; it is open from 8am until 8pm on August 4 and 5 and from 9am to 5pm on the following two days.
Education secretary Mairi McAllan, the Clydesdale MSP, praised "the hard work of learners and teachers" across the country noting that exam passes are "up at all levels, including a record number of National 5 passes" – and congratulated her young constituents.
She said: "Today is a moment of pride for so many young people, their families and teachers – I want to congratulate everyone in Clydesdale.
"Across Scotland, pass rates have increased and our learners have also achieved a record number of vocational and technical qualifications; that's something our schools, colleges and young people should be proud of.
"This can be a whirlwind of emotions, with some experiencing joy, relief, disappointment, or uncertainty - that's why we have ensured every young person has access to free, professional guidance. There is no wrong path and I wish all young people in Clydesdale all the very best in whatever they choose to do next."
