Exam Results Improve Slightly Across Scotland
Thousands of young people across Scotland received their long-awaited exam results yesterday, and for many, it was good news.
Pass rates for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications have risen slightly compared to last year, according to figures released by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). More pupils achieved A to C grades across all levels, marking a small but positive step forward for Scottish education.
Attainment Gap Narrows But Remains a Challenge
In a development welcomed by educators and policymakers, the data also shows a narrowing of the attainment gap between students from the most and least deprived communities.
At National 5 level, the gap in A to C attainment between the most and least affluent pupils dropped to 16.6%. At Higher level, it fell to 12.8%, and at Advanced Higher, the gap now stands at 17.1%. While the difference remains significant, the year-on-year improvement has been hailed as encouraging progress.
The number of students from the most deprived areas gaining places at university or college also saw a notable rise, increasing by more than 1,000 to a total of 2,060.
Education Secretary: A ‘Very Positive Day’
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth called it a "very positive day for Scottish education and for our children and young people.”
Referring to current students as part of the "pandemic generation", Gilruth acknowledged the lasting effects of COVID-19 on young people’s learning. “These young people lived through lockdown,” she told BBC Scotland News. “I do think that has impacted on the way in which they interact with school.”
She reiterated the government’s long-standing commitment to reducing the attainment gap, a key SNP policy since 2015, and said she wanted to “go further” in ensuring fairness and opportunity for all students.
ASE agrees with the need to go further and is disappointed with the progress made to date in significantly reducing the stubbornly wide attainment gap, while recognising that these young people continue to be negatively impacted by the COVID pandemic and that their achievements should be celebrated.
Calls for Deeper Reform
The Association for Science Education (ASE) expressed mixed feelings about the results. While acknowledging the achievements of students who’ve faced unprecedented challenges, the organisation also voiced frustration at the pace of progress in closing the attainment gap.
ASE urged the Scottish Government to consider key recommendations from two major education reports: the Royal Society of Edinburgh’s June 2025 report, which highlights the link between education and child poverty, and the 2023 Independent Review of Qualifications and Assessment, which proposed the introduction of a Scottish Diploma of Achievement (SDA). The SDA would offer a broader view of student success by combining academic results with skills-based learning and personal development.
Looking Ahead
While this year’s results offer reasons to celebrate, particularly for those who overcame adversity to secure university and college places, they also serve as a reminder of the work still to be done.
With reforms under consideration and education inequality still a central issue, Scotland’s education system stands at a crossroads. For the “pandemic generation,” the journey continues, but with momentum and growing recognition of what it takes to support every learner.
BBC News Scotland politics Attainment gap widens in Scottish schools - BBC News
The Royal Society of Edinburgh 2025: Gaps, overlaps, and challenges: assessing the alignment of Scotland’s education reform agenda with national priorities www.ase.org.uk/news/launch-of-scotland-education-reform-report
It's Our Future - Independent Review of Qualifications and Assessment: report https://www.gov.scot/publications/future-report-independent-review-qualifications-assessment/pages/1/