Exam results published today (Tuesday)
Exam results published today show a continued return to pre-pandemic performance levels at National, Higher and Advanced Higher levels in Midlothian.
Continued return to pre-pandemic performance levels
Comparisons with the previous three years’ results are not appropriate because a different assessment model was used in 2020 and 2021 when the exams were cancelled due to the pandemic, and a different assessment weighting in 2022. In 2023 SQA returned to a normal awarding procedure, the same as pre-pandemic years.
Higher number of entries and awards
Overall there were a higher number of SQA entries and awards in 2023 than last year. In 2023 there were 10,388 awards at levels A-C, compared to 9,843 in 2022.
Highest ever passes
This year 81.49% of S4 pupils gained one or more National 5 at levels A-C, our highest ever level. In addition, 36% of S4 pupils gained five or more National 5s at levels A-C, the highest in non-Covid years.
Almost 30% of S5s passing 3 or more Highers
A total of 29.51% of S5 pupils gained 3 or more Highers at passes A-C and 49.19% gained at least 1 Higher by the end of S5. In 2018 the figures were 28.68% and 48.46% respectively.
Strong attainment in S6
Meanwhile S6 attainment at Advanced Higher level was held strong with 18.33% getting at least one Advanced Higher pass at A-C grade. This compares with 17% in 2019 and 15% in 2018.
More than 26% leaving school with 5 Highers or more
The number of students leaving with 5 Highers (A-C) or at least 1 Advanced Higher(A-C) was higher than pre-pandemic levels. In 2023 26.16% gained 5 Highers or more and 18.33% gained at least 1 Advanced Higher.
Well done everyone
Midlothian Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Councillor Ellen Scott said: “Well done and congratulations to everyone who received their results today.
A stressful time
"I know it can be a very stressful time waiting on that exam result text or the postman to deliver your results.
Support available
"Please remember that even if you didn’t get the results you were hoping for there is lots of support and information, including careers and health and wellbeing advice, on the SQA website and at your school. This is the start of your journey - there will be many more opportunities for you to study in the future.”
Help and guidance
- Results - Support and guidance - SQA
- Appeals 2023 - Information for learners - SQA
- Skills Development Scotland telephone helpline information