Scotland’s young people are celebrating a landmark day for education as new data reveals record attainment across National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher levels, alongside a historic rise in university places for those from the country’s most disadvantaged communities.
More than 147,000 pupils and students received their Scottish Qualifications Authority results today, marking a milestone moment in their school journeys.
The figures confirm a strong recovery since the pandemic, with more passes at every level compared to last year and even pre-pandemic benchmarks.
For the first time since Curriculum for Excellence was introduced in 2010, Higher entries have broken the 200,000 barrier, a landmark moment for Scotland’s secondary education system.
Vocational and technical qualifications have also soared to record levels, with 110,380 awards secured across subjects such as construction, hospitality and business, an increase of 22.6% on last year.
Equally significant is progress in closing the poverty-related attainment gap.
Results show narrowing gaps at every level, from National 5 to Advanced Higher, meaning more young people from disadvantaged areas are gaining the qualifications that open doors to further learning and careers.
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth praised the achievement, calling it a testament to resilience and hard work.
“Congratulations to all of Scotland’s school pupils, students and adult learners for all that they have achieved,” she said.
“These results show the strength of Scotland’s schools, with more passes at every level and a welcome narrowing of the poverty-related attainment gap.
“There is more to do, but every success achieved by a young person from a disadvantaged area creates a new route out of poverty.”
Ms Gilruth also highlighted the record uptake of vocational and technical courses, emphasising their role in preparing young people for work and further training.
“I know some will feel disappointed with their results,” she added.
“Support is available through the Skills Development Scotland helpline, and today is a moment to pause and reflect on all that has been achieved this year.”
Alongside SQA successes, university entry figures released by UCAS bring further reason to celebrate.
A record 1,960 eighteen-year-olds from Scotland’s most deprived communities have secured places at university, up by 100 on last year as the drive to widen access continues to deliver results.
Overall, 16,340 eighteen-year-olds have secured a place at Scottish higher education institutions, an increase of 4% on 2024, while total acceptances across all age groups have climbed to 35,940.
Thousands more students currently holding offers are expected to convert to confirmed places in the coming weeks as universities process applications.
Minister for Higher and Further Education Graeme Dey hailed the figures as proof that free tuition and targeted support are transforming lives.
“It is tremendously encouraging to see another rise in young people securing places at university,” he said.
“I am particularly encouraged by the record number of eighteen-year-olds from our most deprived communities achieving this milestone.
“This shows that access to higher education is being driven by ability to learn, not the ability to pay.”
The combined data paints a picture of an education system that is adapting and recovering, with investment focused on narrowing gaps and creating pathways for every young person, no matter their background.
Across Scotland, the achievements of today’s results are being celebrated by families, schools and communities as young people look ahead to their next chapter with confidence and pride.
