Scottish exam pass rates rise as students find out results

Scottish exam pass rates for 2025 have increased across all levels, with record numbers of vocational and technical qualifications awarded. While the attainment gap between students from different socioeconomic backgrounds has narrowed, it remains a significant concern.
Why it matters
These results provide a snapshot of the health of the Scottish education system and the ongoing efforts to address educational inequality.
Image caption, Two pupils react with shock after learning their exam results in Glasgow
Pass rates for Scottish exams have increased as students across the country received their results.
More than 148,000 learners have been finding out the results of their Nationals, Highers, Advanced Highers and Skills for Work Awards.
Qualifications Scotland - which replaced the Scottish Qualifications Authority last year after a number of controversies - said a record number of vocational and technical qualifications were awarded.
The poverty-related attainment gap has narrowed compared with both last year and 2019, the year before Covid forced schools to close.
Admissions service Ucas said a record number of Scottish students had been accepted into university or college.
Pass rates rise as students across Scotland find out their exam results
Education Secretary Màiri McAllan said it was a "proud day" for young people and the education system.
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