EAST Lothian pupils “should be proud” of their achievements in this year’s exams as results exceeded pre-pandemic levels in the first year since all Covid mitigations were removed from the exam diet.

In East Lothian, 2,678 candidates received 13,772 awards which was an increase on last year (2,482/ 13,098).

While analysis shows that attainment this year was lower than last year, when compared with the five-year average, learners’ achievements were higher across all award levels.

Councillor Fiona Dugdale, cabinet member for education and children’s and family services, said: “I’d like to congratulate all of our young people on their work and commitment.

"Results day is exciting and nerve-wracking in equal measure, and you should be proud of your achievements.

“The last few years have seen an unprecedented level of disruption in schools across the country and it is to the credit of our learners and school staff that they have not only returned to pre-pandemic levels of attainment but are exceeding it across many measures.

“Our schools resume next week, and all staff will be carefully considering these results as they plan for the year ahead.”

Key highlights from SQA found:

National 2 to National 4

These qualifications are made up of units which are internally assessed as pass or fail by the school or college before being externally quality-assured by SQA.

The number of presentations remained consistent at National 2, showing an increase at both National 3 and National 4 levels.

National 5

Fewer candidates were presented for National 5 awards compared to 2022 and there was an increase compared to the five-year average.

While attainment was lower compared with 2022 across all levels, it was in line with, or exceeded, the five-year average.

English pass rates increased above both time periods, while Maths results were lower across both time periods.

Highers

The number of presentations was in line with previous years with over three quarters of candidates achieving A-C grades.

Although results were marginally lower across all measures compared to 2022, analysis showed that the majority of measures were either in line with or exceeding the five-year average.

Pass rates for English and Maths are above the national rates, with A passes for these also above the national rate.

Overall Higher A pass rates are also above the national rate.

Advanced Highers

The number of pupils presented for Advanced Highers was in line with last year and above the five-year average.

Pass rates were in line with 2022 and above the five-year average.

Data showed that the poverty-related attainment gap was most reduced at Higher level.

While the gap increased slightly by three per cent at National 5 compared to the historical five-year average it reduced at Higher level by 13 per cent.

East Lothian Council said the SQA data will be used to strengthen approaches across all year groups and qualification stages.

Ms Dugdale added: “I am pleased to see the attainment gap between our most and least deprived learners is reducing.

“As a council we are committed to reducing poverty and ensuring equity.

"Improving the life chances of our children and young people is key.

“This indicates that our approach to supporting learners through our Strategic Equity Funding is having a positive impact and we will continue with this focus to reduce the attainment gap further across all year groups.”