West Lothian pupils achieve improved results for the eighth successive year
It's been an eighth successive year of improvement for pupils at West Lothian Council schools.
Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) National Qualifications and Awards results were received on Tuesday 4 August, with pupils achieving better results than ever before.
Early indications show that the results from S5 pupils across West Lothian's 11 secondary schools have improved across a number of key indicators at Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) Level 6, which includes Highers and equivalent qualifications.
Those achieving five or more awards at this level rose by one percentage point this year to 42%, and those with three or more awards rising by one percentage point to 59%.
Executive councillor for education, David Dodds, said: "Well done to all of our pupils in West Lothian. It's been another outstanding year with improved results recorded now for the eighth consecutive year which is a credit not only to our pupils but also to their teachers and support staff who work with them on a daily basis.
"Of course, this all comes against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic which has certainly impacted on us all not least our education system. The way that our pupils, staff and the wider education community in West Lothian have adapted can't be underestimated and with these results they deserve our applause arguably more than ever before."
Armadale Academy S5 pupils were among those who performed exceptionally well this year at Higher or equivalent level, with a 7 percentage point increase in those achieving five or more awards and a 10 percentage point increase in those achieving three or more awards.
Armadale Academy Headteacher Graham Paris said: "To say I am proud of our students is an understatement. They have been placed in such a unique situation that no one could ever have envisaged. They should be delighted with the efforts they have put in and enjoy this moment.
"I must also take a moment to reflect on the incredible commitment, dedication and drive of the staff here at Armadale Academy. The way we have had to work may have changed but what certainly hasn't changed is the level of professionalism that has been visible on a daily basis as staff supported pupils to complete their qualifications."
A total of 75% of S5 pupils in West Lothian now achieve one or more Higher or equivalent level qualification, an incredible rise of 12 percentage points since 2016. The percentage of pupils achieving three or more awards at this level has also risen by one percentage point in the last year to 59%, a 16 percentage point rise over the last five years.
The number of S5 pupils achieving five or more Higher or equivalent level awards has increased by 16 percentage points in the last five years to an impressive 42% in West Lothian.
Council Leader Lawrence Fitzpatrick added: "Congratulations to all of our pupils who have received their results. The coronavirus outbreak has brought a high degree of uncertainty to all aspects of life and has certainly impacted on everyone involved in education.
"This makes this successful news all the more inspiring with our young people succeeding in the most challenging of circumstances.
"The work of our teachers and staff across our school community in West Lothian must also be recognised at this time. Implementing the required changes to delivering education during the outbreak will not have been easy so these results are also a positive reflection on their efforts to continue to provide pupils with the best platform to undertake learning.
"I must also include parents and wider family and support groups in my praise as they rose to the challenge of taking on blended learning at home whilst providing support and encouragement to pupils."
"With continued uncertainty in the world around us, it is more vital than ever we continue to support our pupils. We must acknowledge that not everyone will have received the results they were hoping for and they must know that it's ok and are made aware of the options available to them.
"We must do all we can to ensure our young people can progress into sustained, positive destinations. Help is available from a number of different organisations as detailed below."
Talk to your school: School staff will be available after the exam results are released to offer advice and help, particularly for pupils who intend to continue in school education.
Skills Development Scotland: For careers advice contact the special free helpline on 0808 100 8000,which is open 9am to 5pm weekdays until Wednesday 14 August. Or visit Skills Development Scotland Centre, Cairngorm House, Almondvale Boulevard, Livingston, EH54 6QN, open 9.45am to 5pm on Mondays and 9am to 5pm, Tuesdays to Fridays.
West Lothian College: For information about courses visit: West Lothian College website (opens new window), contact the admissions Office: 01506 427605 or email: enquiries@west-lothian.ac.uk.
Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS): If you are undecided about your future there is a wealth of advice and information and options available on UCAS website (opens new window)
