Across Shetland today, 615 secondary pupils will receive their exam results from the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).
Following the prospect of delays due to Storm Floris, Royal Mail has confirmed that the mail plane carrying results has landed in Shetland this morning. Results will be delivered to almost all households today with possible delays only to the outer isles postcodes.
Awards include National, Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications by pupils in the Senior Phase, Secondary 4 to 6.
For graded qualifications:
- The A-C pass rate for Shetland, at National 5 is 84.6%. The Scottish average this year is 78.4%
- The A-C pass rate for Shetland, at Higher is 73.7%. The Scottish average this year is 75.9%.
- The A-C pass rate for Shetland at Advanced Higher is 81.3%. The Scottish average this year is 76.7%.
Additionally, there has been a record breaking number of S4, 5 and 6 students completing partnership courses which are delivered through UHI Shetland, Shetland Arts, Sport and Leisure Service and local crofting partnerships.
134 students completed their 4th year Skills for Work courses and 74 students across 5th and 6th year passed their Academy or Foundation Apprenticeship courses, including Engineering Skills, Hospitality, Hairdressing, Energy, Maritime Skills, and Early Learning and Childcare. Attainment through partnership courses is not reflected in school level attainment figures.
Pass rate information for non-graded qualifications (National 2, 3 and 4) has not yet been made available.
Schools in Shetland will be open today for pupils to discuss their exam results with staff. Advice for pupils is also available on the Skills Development Scotland website www.myworldofwork.co.uk or through their Results helpline 0808 100 8000.
Pupils may appeal if they are concerned about a National 5, Higher or Advanced Higher grade and feel there may have been a mistake in the marking. Pupils can appeal directly to the SQA Appeals Service from today or can ask their school to do this for them. Appeals can be prioritised if the pupil has a conditional place at university or college or in training or employment that depends on their grade.
The SQA Results Hub has more details of support options, and the appeals process, at: Learner support for National Qualifications - SQA
Davie Sandison, Chair of the Council’s Education and Families Committee said: “Today is about celebrating the achievements of young people throughout Shetland who have worked hard to gain their national and vocational qualifications. I would like to congratulate them all and thank their teachers and support staff who have helped them throughout the past year.
"The growth in students completing vocational partnership courses, in addition to their national qualifications is worth noting and represents the diversification of student learning opportunities in Shetland.”
For more details of Foundation Apprenticeships, Academy Courses & Skills for Work please look up – www.shetland.uhi.ac.uk/schools/