Thousands of students across Scotland are celebrating today as SQA results are released, with rising pass rates across National 5s, Highers and Advanced Highers, and Zizzi is helping mark the occasion by giving away one of its best loved menu favourites.

The restaurant chain is offering the first 50 students at each of its Scottish restaurants a free Garlic and Mozzarella Bombe when they show proof of their exam results and purchase a drink on Tuesday 4 August.

Students who miss out on one of the free Bombes can still celebrate with 50 per cent off either a Garlic and Mozzarella Bombe or a Chorizo and Mozzarella Bombe.

Corinne Prior, Brand & Customer Experience Director at Zizzi, said:

“Students across Scotland have worked so hard all year, and we think that picking up their results deserves a delicious treat!

“We’re welcoming all students and their families into Zizzi to celebrate with us.

“We think students are the Bombe, so this summer they’re on us!”

The celebrations come as newly published figures show another positive year for Scotland’s learners.

Data released by Qualifications Scotland shows a record 269,115 National 5 passes, with pass rates increasing for the second consecutive year across National 5s, Highers and Advanced Highers.

The figures also reveal record numbers of vocational and technical qualifications being achieved, with more than 120,000 awards made, while the poverty related attainment gap narrowed further compared with both last year and pre pandemic levels.

Education Secretary Màiri McAllan congratulated everyone receiving their results and praised the achievements of pupils, teachers and school staff across the country.

She said:

“This is a proud day for Scotland’s young people and our education system.

“My congratulations go to everyone receiving their results.

“I know how much hard work and resilience it takes to get here and you all deserve enormous credit.

“These are incredibly positive results across the board, with academic passes up at every level, National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher, as well as record numbers of vocational qualifications.

“This is testament to the breadth and strength of Scotland’s education system, the professionalism of our teachers and school staff and the hard work of our young people.

“It is particularly pleasing to see another narrowing in the attainment gap between the most and least deprived areas.

“This builds on similar progress in the gaps for literacy and numeracy levels, as well as for the number of young people entering initial positive destinations, which has narrowed by almost two thirds since 2009-10.

“This is welcome progress but we will not be complacent and will continue to do all we can to close the poverty related attainment gap even further, having empowered headteachers and invested £1.75 billion in the Scottish Attainment Challenge over the past decade, with up to £200 million being invested this year as well.

“Curriculum for Excellence aims to prepare young people for their future in life, learning and work, and today’s results show that it is doing that.

“The diversity of qualifications, whether they are gained through academic study, vocational and technical learning or work-based opportunities is equipping young people with the knowledge, skills and attributes needed to flourish in the modern world.

“And the range is wider than ever, with qualifications in sports, creative industries, childcare, engineering and journalism among others.

“For those young people who may be disappointed with their results, I would urge them to remember that there is no wrong path.

“Teachers, as well as services such as the Skills Development Scotland helpline and Qualifications Scotland Learner Support Hub, are there to help plan your next steps.”

Whether students are celebrating exam success, planning their next step into higher education, apprenticeships or employment, today’s results mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter, with a well earned Zizzi Bombe waiting for some along the way.

To book your Results Day celebrations, go to https://www.zizzi.co.uk/occasions/results-day