SQA exam results 2019

This year, pupils in F6 (S6) secured a record average of 1.9 Advanced Highers per pupil, with a pass rate of 91.8% achieved from a record number of AH presentations (208). Six pupils gained at least 3 A1 grades, including two who secured 4 A1 grades. In addition, more than a quarter (27.5%) achieved at least two A grades at Advanced Higher.

F5 (S5) pupils meanwhile achieved an average of 4.2 Higher passes each, with 57% of Higher passes graded A. The Higher pass rate was 94.3% and a quarter of the year group secured a set of at least 5 A grades. 56.1% of the cohort gained five or more Higher passes.

The Fourth Years also performed strongly in the National 5 exams, securing an average of 7.2 passes each. The pass rate was 94.4%, 67% of which were A grades, and more than a quarter (27.2%) of the year group achieved at least 8 A grades each, and 95% achieved 5 or more N5 passes. One of our pupils recorded the top, or joint top, mark in Scotland in five separate N5 subjects, while 3 others shared that distinction in Maths, and another in Mandarin.

There were a number of exceptional performances at subject level. For instance, Art & Design, Music and PE all recorded 100% pass rates at all SQA exam levels, while taking Biology, Chemistry and Physics together at N5, Higher and Advanced Higher levels, the pass rate was a remarkable 97%, with 66% passed at A grade.  

In addition to the above, the following subjects secured 100% pass at National 5: English (72% A), Classical Studies, Drama (90% A), Latin (89% A), Mandarin (75% A).
The following secured 100% pass at Higher: Biology (65% A), Business Management, Classical Studies, Drama (71% A), Engineering Science, German, Graphic Communication, Latin, Mandarin, Philosophy, Physics (76% A), Spanish (91% A).
And the following secured 100% at Advanced Higher: Chemistry (64% A), Computing Science, Economics (100% A), English, German, History (67% A), Modern Studies (71% A).

While the F4 and F5 candidates now look forward to beginning the next stages of their school careers, the F6 pupils are getting ready to reap the rewards of their hard work through places at top universities across Scotland, and beyond. As with the leavers of previous years, the class of 2019 are headed for many of the UK's most respected universities to study subjects ranging from Engineering, Zoology and Computing, to Law, Maths and Speech and Language Pathology, as well as a wide range of languages, sciences, business and arts subjects. In addition, all 9 pupils to apply for places on medical courses this year were successful, an outstanding achievement as nationally the overriding majority of such applications are unsuccessful.

Rector Dr John Halliday said, “I am delighted to see the efforts of pupils and teachers rewarded in these excellent grades. Congratulations to everyone involved. All of our pupils who applied through the UCAS system secured at least one offer; many had several offers, and across a wide range subjects. My huge thanks as always to the commitment and professionalism of all the staff who lead, nurture and support our young people both in and out with the classroom.

“The High School is about developing the whole person, but exam results are a key part of maximising potential and setting our pupils up for a rewarding career in the world beyond school.”

As a part of our post-exam service to pupils and parents, senior members of staff are on hand at the school all week for any pupils looking for advice and guidance following the results.