East Lothian school pupils receive their exam results

Exam results were published on Tuesday as East Lothian school pupils nervously awaited their results.

Across the county, 2,679 candidates received 13,970 awards - an increase on last year (2,428/13,764).

The results were analysed against the previous year’s exam diet and the five-year historical average 2015-2019 to provide context.

Results from 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 are not included in the historical average due to the significantly different nature of assessment during the Covid-19 period.

Achievements at National 5 level increased compared to the previous year and the five-year average across all but one of the main measurements, which remained the same.

The number of presentations, pupils achieving ‘one or more’ or ‘three or more’ National 5s and the number of learners achieving an A-C grade all rose, while the number achieving ‘five or more’ National 5s was in line with last year.

Pass rates at maths and English also rose by one per cent and 11 per cent respectively, both taking them above the historical average.

The number of presentations at Higher level was marginally lower than in 2022/23 and achievements decreased across all categories.

East Lothian Council's headquarters John Muir House (Image: Newsquest)

While more young people sat Advanced Higher qualifications, the number achieving ‘one or more’ qualification at this level remained in line with previous years and the overall pass rate fell.

Councillor Fiona Dugdale, East Lothian Council’s cabinet member for education and children’s and family services, said: “SQA results day gives us a huge amount of data that we can use to understand our learners’ achievements in the context of the authority and each individual school.

“We will be working with our headteachers to use this information and act upon it as part of our raising attainment strategy.

“For example, we can see the results of our authority-wide focus on maths in our National 5 results and we will be building on this success in the new academic session.”

· National 2, National 3 and National 4

A total 1,120 pupils were presented for National 2, National 3 and National 4 in 2023/24, in line with the previous year (1,125).

The number of awards increased from 3,102 to 3,230, a rise of 4.1 per cent.

· National 5

More East Lothian young people achieved A-C grades at National 5 level in 2024 than the previous year (78 per cent, increase of two per cent), above the national average (77 per cent) and above the five-year average (77 per cent).

Increases were also seen compared to 2022/23 in the number of S4 pupils presented for National 5 (81 per cent compared to 80 per cent).

The pass rate for National 5 English rose to 89 per cent (from 88 per cent; five-year average: 87 per cent) which is five per cent above the 2023/24 national average, while National 5 Maths increased by 11 per cent to 67 per cent, three per cent above the historical average and just below the national average (68 per cent).

· Highers and Advanced Highers

Results for Highers and Advanced Highers were lower than in 2022/23 and below the five-year average.

The number of young people presented for Highers fell by one per cent (71 per cent compared to 72 per cent both last year and five-year average).

A total of 74 per cent achieved A-C grades (three per cent lower than last year) while the pass rate was lower for both Higher English (75 per cent, in line with national average compared to 77 per cent in 2022/23) and Higher maths (74 per cent compared to 77 per cent; one per cent above the national average).

Presentations of S6 pupils for Advanced Highers increased by five per cent compared to 2023; however, the pass rate fell by six per cent compared to the same period (70 per cent in 2024 compared to 76 per cent in 2023).

Life outside school

Ms Dugdale was also quick to stress that exam results were not the be all and end all.

She said: “I am proud that our schools offer a range of routes to meet different interests, abilities and ambitions.

“To our learners, I’d like to say this: congratulations on your achievements and the hard work and resilience that will have gone into achieving them.

“However you feel about your results, it’s important you remember that today is one day in your life. It’s not a complete reflection on who you are or what you can achieve in future.

“It is an opportunity to reflect on what matters to you, what you want to do next and how you’re going to get there.

“Our schools are ready to support you in these next steps, to celebrate your successes and to help you reach your full potential.

“Please speak to your school team or contact Skills Development Scotland if you have any questions.”

Skills Development Scotland’s Results Helpline is available on 0808 100 8000 or visit www.myworldofwork.co.uk