MORE Borders pupils than ever who sat literacy and numeracy exams in May have gained successful results.

Today (Tuesday, August 8) students received their results after a year of hard work and dedication.

More than 97 per cent of S4 achieved a literacy award, while 96 per cent achieved a National 5 English award.

Ninety-one per cent of S4 achieved a numeracy award, with 83 per cent achieving a National 5 award in mathematics.

Year-on-year comparisons returned after they were paused last time as it was deemed inappropriate to compare normal exams to measures taken during the coronavirus pandemic.

David Robertson, Scottish Borders Council chief executive, said: “I’d like to congratulate the young people on their achievements this year and also pay tribute to our teachers and school staff who throughout the school year, work hard to encourage, support and teach.

"As has been the case in previous years, the results paint a highly positive picture of the learning experience pupils are able to access here in the Borders."

The total number of exams sat across the Borders increased from 13,010 in 2022 to 13,400, with 3,693 at Higher, 553 at Advanced Higher and the highest ever number of National 5 – 6,411.

And the region remained in the top quartile nationally for positive and sustained destinations at 96.7 per cent – an increase from last year.

More than 2,700 pupils gained qualifications at SCQF Levels 2-4, with the overall pass rate (A-C) for S4 pupils at SCQF Level 5 at 81.3 per cent.

And S5 attainment at SCQF Level 6 stood at 79.1 per cent – in line with figures from 2022.

Selkirkshire councillor Leagh Douglas, executive member for education, was at Selkirk High School this morning congratulating pupils.

She said: “Whether the results received today are a step towards a job, a Modern Apprenticeship, further education, university or to further study in their next school year, it is important to remember that every pupil is different with their own ambitions and aims.

"It is therefore particularly pleasing and exciting to see that in terms of positive destinations, our schools have seen a remarkable 96.65 percent of young people achieving a positive and sustained destination – the highest percentage over the last five years."

For anyone who is disappointed in any of their results, pupil support information is available at: www.scotborders.gov.uk/examresults and from the Skills Development Scotland helpline on 0808 100 8000. This is open from 8am-8pm today and tomorrow (August 9) and 9am-5pm on August 10 and 11.

Advisers can provide access to information on UCAS course vacancies at college and universities across the UK, Confirmation and Clearing, advice about Modern Apprenticeships and employment and training opportunities. Additional information is available on the SQA website: www.sqa.org.uk and at www.myworldofwork.co.uk