Young people across Argyll and Bute have received their exam results today and initial figures show learners have achieved 685 more awards than in 2024, with a record number of pupils being supported to enter and achieve national qualifications.
The results reflect the ambitions set out in Our Children, Their Future, Argyll and Bute Council’s Education Strategy, which focuses on ensuring every child and young person has the opportunity to achieve, succeed and move on to positive destinations.
Alongside a higher number of entries, A-D pass rates for Argyll and Bute Council have also increased against last year for Higher and Advanced Higher. Over two years, the number of National 5 awards has increased by 9.0% and Higher awards have increased by 17%.
Based on A-D results, the figures show that:
- The National 5 pass rate is slightly down on 2025 but ahead of 2024. The figure of 89.4% matches exactly the figure achieved by local authority schools nationally.
- The Higher pass rate of 90.8% is above 2025 and the highest results since 2023. The Argyll and Bute pass rate is 0.7% points ahead of the local authority school national figure of 90.1%.
- The Advanced Higher pass rate of 88.7% is above 2025 and above the pre-pandemic figure. The figure is slightly behind the local authority school national figure of 89.5%.
- 97.9% of S4 learners achieved a National qualification up from 94.2% in 2025
- 70% of S5 learners achieved a National qualification up from 66.2% in 2025
The council's Policy Lead for Education, Councillor Kieron Green, said:
"Congratulations to everyone in Argyll and Bute who received exam results today. I know how hard you have worked over the last year and you should be incredibly proud of your achievements.
"These results are particularly encouraging because they show that more young people than ever before are being given the opportunity to gain qualifications and fulfil their potential. Through our Education Strategy, Our Children, Their Future, we are committed to raising aspirations, widening opportunities and ensuring every learner can thrive, regardless of their starting point, circumstances or chosen pathway.
"Our ambition is not simply about improving pass rates. It is about making sure more young people are able to access qualifications that will help them succeed in life, learning and work. The significant increase in the number of qualifications achieved demonstrates that schools are supporting a wider range of learners to attain and achieve. It is especially pleasing to see improvements in Higher and Advanced Higher performance alongside the increase in entries.
"Exam results are just one part of the journey. Whether young people are moving on to university, college, apprenticeships, employment or further training, we want every learner to leave school with the skills, qualifications and confidence they need for a positive future. We continue to work closely with schools and partners to provide a range of pathways that meet the needs and ambitions of all our young people.
"Please remember there is help and support available if you didn't receive the results you hoped for or are unsure about your next step, schools and partners are available to provide advice and guidance."
Today's figures show just some of the attainment and achievement data. A more detailed report will be presented to the council's Community Services Committee later in the year, with full results analysis to follow in early 2027.
