SQA Results Day 2024
Pupils across Aberdeenshire have today (Tuesday) received their SQA assessment results.
Across the shire, 6,520 pupils took a total of 29,248 exams across a total of 70 different subjects.
Of those, 110 pupils achieved five straight A passes at Higher in S5; 67 pupils achieved more than three Advanced Higher Awards in S6, and 1,641 S4 pupils gained five qualifications at National Five level.
The overall pass rate compared to 2023 has gone from 78% to 79%.
Aberdeenshire Council’s Director of Education Laurence Findlay said: “I’d like to say a huge congratulations to all our young people who received their results today.
“Our early analysis shows a positive performance for many of our pupils and today is about congratulating them for all their hard work - from us all at the education team, we’re really proud of our young people.”
Foundation Apprenticeship, of which Aberdeenshire is the leading provider in Scotland, results are once again very strong and well above the national average. The demand for FAs continued to increase with Aberdeenshire remaining the largest provider of FAs in Scotland.
Over 800 students benefited from the FA courses and the next step opportunities they provide by raising attainment and improving positive destinations.
Education and Children’s Services Committee chair Cllr David Keating said: “Congratulations to all our pupils, and those who supported them, both their families, and our teachers in academies across Aberdeenshire.
“Pupils have shown what they are capable of and should be proud of their achievements.
“For those who haven’t done as well as they might have hoped, please don’t be discouraged.
“Exam results are not the be-all and end-all and whilst I appreciate it can be disheartening, they are not necessarily crucial to unlocking your future success.
“They do not define you or your future, and there are many paths and opportunities to be had. We can provide you with a wide range of support, advice and guidance to help you identify the one that is best for you.”
Early analysis of the SQA figures shows this year’s pass rate:
• National 2 going from 80% to 100% - a 20% increase on 2023
• National 3 going from 73% - to 100% - a 27% increase on 2023
• National 4 going from 86% to 100% - a 14% increase on 2023
• National 5 going from 78% to 78%
• Higher going from 76% to 73% - a 3% decrease on 2023
• Advanced Higher going from 76% to 70% - a 6% decrease on 2023
In terms of wider exam attainment across Aberdeenshire, an initial analysis of the results across Aberdeenshire shows:
• 40% of S4 pupils achieved five or more at SCQF level five (A-C)
• 33% of S5 pupils achieved three or more at SCQF level six (A-C)
• 28% of S6 pupils achieved five or more at SCQF level six (A-C)
Education and Children’s Services Committee vice-chair Cllr Anne Simpson said: “Our pupils can be confident their qualifications will provide them with a strong foundation for the next stage in their learning, training, or employment.
“It is encouraging to see just how big an impact Foundation Apprenticeships are having on attainment across Aberdeenshire and by broadening the range of opportunities to achieve qualifications, we can help all our young people find a route to success that best meets their needs and interests.”
For any young person interested in undertaking a Foundation Apprenticeship, visit: https://www.apprenticeships.scot/become-an-apprentice/foundation-apprenticeships/
Skills Development Scotland is once again running its results helpline on 0808 100 8000. The organisation’s expert advisors can help pupils explore their options and provide career advice and guidance.
You can also visit the Developing the Young Workforce website at www.dyw.scot/no-wrong-path #NoWrongPath aims to show young people the options that are available to them.