This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Exam results
10/08/2004
More candidates than ever before are receiving their exam certificates today.
For most, the envelopes will contain good news:
- pass rates are up virtually across the board
- the Higher English pass rate is 64 per cent, up 4.8 per cent
- the Higher maths pass rate is 67.8 per cent, up one per cent
- the percentage of Standard Grade entries receiving a grade 1-6 has increased from 96.8 per cent to 97.2 per cent.
Education Minister Peter Peacock, who is meeting a group of prospective teachers at Edinburgh University's Moray House School of Education, said:
"Standards are high in Scottish education as highlighted by today's exam results. But we are not complacent and will build on this success by investing in more teachers and new schools.
"There is a great deal for young people to be proud of in today's results and for Scotland to be proud of.
"We have maintained tough and high standards in our exam system which is the envy of many countries and we are seeing performance year-on-year moving in the right direction.
"This is down to strong political support and hard work by pupils, teachers and parents.
"These exam trends add to the results in our 5-14 tests, where performance is also improving, and the international evidence that Scotland is one of the top performing education systems in the world.
"All our investment and reforms are designed not just to keep us there but to improve even further.
"We now have a comprehensive exams framework which allows all pupils the opportunity to gain both qualifications and valuable skills. The number of candidates gaining certificates is rising and this shows the range of qualifications on offer.
"For many pupils - like those I will meet today who plan to become teachers - these results will open doors to a promising and exciting future. These are the young people who are helping to develop an ambitious and confident Scotland.
"But for those who have not achieved the results they hoped for, help is on hand and they should contact their school, college or the Careers Scotland helpline to discuss the way forward."
Across Scotland, 142,082 candidates will receive certificates today, up by 2,026 from last year.
Pass rates have risen for Access 2 and 3; Standard Grade; Intermediate 2, Higher and Advanced Higher. The only area in which pass rates fell was Intermediate 1 which was down by 0.3 per cent.
In the most recent PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) report, Scotland performed well against other countries in all three areas - reading, maths and science.
This study also highlighted that students felt they received a high level of support from teachers.
The Careers Scotland 'One Life Helpline' - 0808 100 8000 - can offer advice on different courses and opportunities available.
The Scottish Qualifications Authority candidate helpline is also available on 0845 278 8080