Success for Western Isles Young People on SQA Results Day

09 August 2022 at 13:03:44

Today, young people across the Western Isles have been receiving notice from SQA about the results of National Qualifications undertaken this year.  The Comhairle would like to recognise and congratulate the effort, commitment and achievement of all our young people following the significant number of qualifications and other awards confirmed today.

This year saw a return to external examinations for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher after two years of significant disruption to the qualifications process caused by COVID-19. With these being the first exams since 2019, almost all learners in S4-6 in our schools were undertaking exams for the very first time.

Across National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses, the rate of A-C passes achieved in the Western Isles was 84.3%, from a total of 2,285 presentations. The equivalent rate of passes across Scotland for the same awards was in the region of 80.1%. Whilst we recognise strong performance at National 5 and Higher this year, a reduction in passes at Advanced Higher will be analysed by schools and presentations at this level reviewed.

Summarised Exam Results:

In addition to the above examination results, there were 250 further presentations for awards at National 2, 3 and 4, all of which were successfully achieved by learners.

As well as success in academic assessment being shared today, we recognise the many achievements of our pupils, in areas of applied learning, sport, culture, heritage and community service. We also know that one of the most important measures of success is the ability for pupils to go on to positive destinations after they leave school, equipped for the next step in their journey. Comhairle schools are able to report some of the highest positive post-school outcomes in Scotland with 97.8% of our leavers continuing to be in a positive destination three months after leaving school.

Chairman of the Education, Skills and Children's Services Committee, Cllr Paul Finnegan, said: "We recognise, today, significant success and achievement for learners across the Western Isles in the first post-COVID examinations. Today's success is testament to the hard work and commitment of our learners and school staff throughout another challenging year. We are also here to provide help and support for any young people who didn't get the results they wanted today". 

Results Helpline

We understand that some pupils may not have received the results that had been hoped for today and our school staff are available to provide support and guidance. As well as contacting schools directly, pupils can also seek advice and help in the following ways:

• SDS National Helpline on 0808 100 8000.   www.myworldofwork.co.uk
• DYW No Wrong Path Campaign www.nowrongpath.scot
• My World of Work Facebook: www.facebook.com/myworldofwork
• My World of Work Twitter: www.twitter.com/mywowscotland

No Wrong Path - Drop-in Sessions

As part of this year's #NoWrongPath  campaign, the Comhairle is working with DYW Western Isles, UHI Outer Hebrides and Skills Development Scotland to provide drop-in sessions for young people to get advice, guidance and support after receiving results. Current job, training and education opportunities will be promoted at the following times and locations:

Stornoway Town Hall

9 August 12pm-3pm

10 August 12pm-3pm

Sir E Scott School Reception

9 August 9am-4pm

Lionacleit Education Centre

9 August 9am-5pm

10 August 9am-5pm