Midlothian Pupils Achieve Highest Exam Pass Rates in Five Years
More Midlothian pupils sat and passed National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher exams in 2026 than in previous years, according to exam results published today.
Continued positive trend
The results show a continued positive trend across Midlothian schools, with increased participation in formal exams and the highest pass rates recorded in the last five years.
More exams sat
More young people were presented for National 5 and Higher exams than in 2025. National 5 presentations increased by 197 from 6,021in 2025 to 6,218 in 2026. Higher presentations increased by 263, from 3,075 to 3,338 over the same period.
More passes
Not only did more pupils sit exams, in 2026, Midlothian recorded more A-C passes at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher than in the previous year.
Percentage increases
At National 5 level, the A-C pass rate increased from 73.5% in 2025 to 75.8% in 2026, an increase of 2.3%. At Higher, the pass rate rose from 72.6% to 74.8%, an increase of 2.2%. Advanced Higher results saw the largest improvement, with the A-C pass rate increasing from 68.3% to 73.5%, a rise of 5.2%.
Strong Performance Across All Year Groups
There was a 1% increase in the number of S4 pupils achieving five or more National 5 qualifications at grades A-D, rising from 50.8% in 2025 to 51.8% in 2026.
S5 pupils achieved the strongest results seen in five years, with improvements across all key measures. The proportion achieving one or more Highers at A-D increased from 56.7% to 61.4%, a rise of 4.7%. Those achieving three or more Highers increased from 38.3% to 41.9%, up 3.6%, while the proportion achieving five or more Highers increased from 18.7% to 20.2%, a rise of 1.5%.
S6 pupils also performed strongly. The proportion achieving five or more Highers increased from 30.9% in 2025 to 32.6% in 2026, up 1.7%.
Well done to pupils and staff
Midlothian Council's Education Spokesperson, Councillor Ellen Scott, said: "We are delighted with today's results and would like to congratulate all of our young people on their achievements. These results reflect the hard work, dedication and resilience shown by pupils throughout the year.
"I would also like to thank our teachers, school staff, parents, carers and families for the support they have provided. Their encouragement and commitment play a vital role in helping our young people achieve their potential.
"It is particularly encouraging to see more pupils being presented for examinations and more pupils achieving success at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher level. These are our strongest results in five years and demonstrate the ongoing commitment across our schools to raising attainment and supporting learners to succeed."
Support Available
Pupils and families wishing to discuss today's results can access the SQA exam helpline. Schools are also available to provide advice and guidance on next steps, appeals, course choices and future pathways.
While today's results focus on formal SQA examinations, an increasing number of Midlothian learners are achieving qualifications through a wider range of pathways as curriculum developments continue to broaden opportunities for young people. These achievements are not reflected in today's results and further information on the full range of learner attainment and achievement will be published later in the year.
Guidance
- Results - Support and guidance - SQA
- Appeals 2026 - Information for learners - SQA
- Skills Development Scotland telephone helpline information
- Pupils can also contact their school for advice and support
National results