Published on:
05
August 2025
The Council has congratulated the continued success, determination and resilience of our young people as they receive their official results from the SQA today.
This year's results contribute to an ongoing longer-term trend of improvement in attainment and achievement in Clackmannanshire.
This year's results highlight achievements made by our young people across a range of curriculum areas and learning pathways.
Each of our schools continue to have a relentless focus on supporting every child to ensure they achieve their full potential.
In response to the voices of children and young people and the evolving needs of the local economy and wider society, significant work has gone into ensuring access to a broader range of learning pathways.
This approach has contributed to a 17% increase in the range of qualifications young people have achieved.
Overall, the official results show a yearly increase of 5% in the number of presentations; and a 4% increase compared to pre-Covid levels (when SQA exams were conducted in a comparable way).
There is an increase of 11% in the number of National 5s awarded, a pass rate of 71% and a 2% increase in the number of Highers; a pass rate of 67%, compared to pre-Covid levels.
Of the pupils who passed their assessments, more A passes continue to be awarded at National 5 level than pre-Covid levels and at Advanced Higher, with more than a third achieving an A pass.
Additionally, more than half of our young people achieved one or more SCQF Level 5 award and almost a quarter achieved one or more SCQF Level 6 award this year.
There continues to be a yearly increase in National 4 awards with a 9.4% increase on last year. By individual subject, more young people continue to pass National 5 Mathematics compared to pre-Covid levels and more than 60% of young people passed Higher Mathematics.
Two thirds of young people passed National 5 physics, an increase on pre-Covid levels where the pass rate was only 50%. Other yearly increases include Nat 5 Engineering Science, French, and History.
At Higher level there have been increases in Art & Design, History, Physical Education and Spanish, demonstrating the variety of qualifications our young people are gaining.
Clackmannanshire continues to report an increase in the number of Advanced Highers, continuing a three-year increasing trend. The poverty related attainment gap continues to narrow at National 5 level, especially in A pass awards and narrowed overall at Higher level and at A and B pass level compared to last year.
Councillor Graham Lindsay, spokesperson for People, said: "It’s fantastic to see young people achieving such positive outcomes, not only through exam performance but also across a wider suite of qualifications that reflect their individual strengths and aspirations.
"Our young people now have access to a broader range of pathways that meet their needs and open doors to positive future destinations, whether that’s further education, training, or employment.
"I’m incredibly proud of their perseverance and resilience, especially given the challenges they have faced in recent years. The strong partnerships between our schools, families and communities continue to support our learners in making real progress. I wish every young person continued success."
Colin Bruce, the Council's Chief Education Officer, said: "I’m incredibly proud of our young people and their families on this important day. Their achievements reflect not only their hard work but also the dedicated support from teachers, families, and our many partners. My sincere thanks go to all who have played a part in their journey.
"It’s encouraging to see the support systems in our schools and communities continuing to empower young people to reach their full potential.”
An event was held at Alloa Town Hall earlier today when young people who achieved SQA qualifications, as well as those who completed programmes including the Duke of Edinburgh Award, Columba 1400, Pathfinders, Clackmannanshire Active Leaning Academy and sustainability initiatives such as the Fuel Challenge and Young Pathfinder programmes, were all celebrated.
School staff are on hand with help and advice, and the Skills Development Scotland results helpline is on 0808 100 8000.
The Council offers a range of mental health services for young people that may be useful at this time.
Kooth.com provides free, safe and anonymous support for anyone aged 10-26.
The Text Clacks service (text Clacks to 85258) offers text-based support to anyone experiencing mental health difficulties, including those in crisis.
There is also a wide range of mental health support available at our Directory of Support website.