Young people across Scotland receive their exam results.

Over 147,000 students in Scotland are receiving their marks for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher exams, as well as Skills for Work Awards, National Progression Awards and National Certificates. Most certificates were expected to be delivered yesterday (5th August) but students in island communities  are facing delays due to disruption caused by Storm Floris. These communities include the Outer Hebrides, Orkney, Arran and Shetland.  1

What do we know about the results?

Here are a few key statistics from the examination results:

  • The number of pupils receiving A-C grades at National 5 qualifications has increased to 77.84% (from 77.2% last year).
  • The rate for Higher (at A-C) increased from 74.9% to 75.9%.
  • The rate for (at A-C) increased from 75.3% to 76.7%.
  • The 2025 pass rates are similar to pre-pandemic levels, except for in Advanced Higher, which is 3% lower than in 2019.
  • The attainment gap between students from the ‘most-affluent’ and ‘least-affluent’ areas has narrowed (for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher).
  • The number of students taking Higher exams rose to over 20,000 and the number taking vocational or technical qualifications rose to over 100,000.
  • A record number of students have been offered university or college places.
  • The number of young people from the ‘most-deprived’ areas increased by more than 1,000 compared to last year and 180 more overseas students have received places. 1

Celebrating Scotland’s students

Reflecting on the results, Scotland’s Chief Examining Officer, Donna Stewart, said, “All of those achievements are to be celebrated – and they belong to Scotland’s learners”, and Education Secretary, Jenny Gilruth, said, “very positive day for Scottish education and for our children and young people.” 1

Team R.I.S.E. would like to share a big congratulations to students in Scotland, on their exam results, whatever they are – and a massive well done to all the educators and parents who have supported them!

Learn more about the results of Scotland’s 2025 examinations. and let us know your thoughts on social media.

References

  1. BBC News (2025) ‘Pass rates up for Scottish pupils in latest exam results’. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/crkzn77mz0xo (Accessed: 6 August 2025)

 

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Author

  • Kat Cauchi

    Kat is the former editor of R.I.S.E. Magazine. She is the chair of the BESA Women’s Educational Suppliers Network, a Global Equality Collective member, InnovateHer ambassador and TechUpWomen Mentor. She is a also a 2023 #TechWomen100 award winner and 2022 Nexus Education award winner.

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