Pupils across East Dunbartonshire have discovered the results of their SQA assessments as a record number of High and Advanced Higher passes have been recorded. Statistics show that almost 137,000 learners are receiving Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) results today – the most since 2017 – with results showing a significantly higher pass rate increase of 12.6% when compared to 2019 levels. With the SQA exam diet being cancelled due to the pandemic, the grades for National 5s, Highers and Advanced Highers were based on teachers’ judgement of evidence of attainment. The results show the highest number of Higher passes since at least 1999, the highest number of Advanced Higher passes since the qualifications were introduced in 2021 and the percentage of grade As awarded at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher level also achieving a record high. The results have been welcomed by Rona Mackay MSP who implored pupils that there was “no wrong path” after receiving the SQA results. Commenting, Strathkelvin and Bearsden MSP Rona Mackay said: “I warmly welcome today’s results for pupils across East Dunbartonshire in what has been a hugely challenging year for every school across my constituency. They are an absolute credit to themselves, their families and our community as a whole. “They should all be rightly proud of their achievements, coping admirably with the pandemic, COVID-19 protections and the impact this had on their learning. I also want to pay tribute to our teachers who have prepared our pupils admirably for their assessments. “For those who may not have got the results they were looking for there is no wrong path. There are plenty of viable avenues for further work, skills or learning after today’s results. Skills Development Scotland, through My World of Work, have set up their national helpline to assist anyone who requires support. The Results Helpline opens on 10 August. You can speak to an adviser by calling the free helpline on 0808 100 8000. END