Moray pupils celebrate success with 2023/24 SQA exam results
Over 2,300 Moray secondary school pupils received their 2023/24 SQA exam results this morning (Tuesday 6 August) by text, e-mail and post.
This year, performance in SQA exams remains similar to last year with 75 young people across Moray achieving six ‘A’ grades at National 5.
34 young people achieving seven or more ‘A’ grades at National 5; and 163 passing (A-C), seven or more qualifications at National 5.
Across Moray schools, 26 young people in S5 achieved five or more ‘A’ grades at Higher, slightly lower than 2023 but the second highest year of performance where final examinations and coursework were the main forms of assessment.
In S4, 89% of young people achieved an award (A-D) at S4 National 5 comparable to last year's data.
In S4, 39 young people achieved eight or more qualifications in S4 at National 5 with 25 young people achieving one or more Higher (SCQF level 6) passes in S4.
Positive performance in S4 is noted in Administration and IT, Art and Design, Business Management, Drama, English, French, German, Music, Physical Education, Hospitality (Practical Cookery) and Spanish.
Performance at S5 Higher remains comparable to last session with 88% of young people achieving an award at (A-D). In particular, 61% of young people achieved one or more Higher (SCQF level 6) qualification.
This year 26 young people achieved five or more Higher ‘A’ passes in 2024, slightly down from 2023’s 29 pupils.
Several outstanding individual successes are also noted including 111 young people achieving five Higher passes at grade A-C. Young people performed well in Art and Design, Drama, French, German, Graphic Communication, History, Music, Physical Education and Politics.
At S6 Advanced Higher, 87% of young people achieved an award (A-D) and at S6 Higher, 84% of young people presented at this level also achieved an award (A-D).
As schools extend their curriculum offer based on the wide range of SCQF qualifications and accreditation on offer, it’s noted that study at SQA level 6 (Higher) and SQA level 7 (Advanced Higher) remains appropriate for many young people in our schools and their chosen onward destination after school. In S6 Advanced Higher, positive performance is noted in Art and Design, Geography, Modern Studies, Music, and RMPS.
Data from the Scottish Government Insight benchmarking tool is expected in September and will help evaluate how students are doing in SCQF qualifications, especially in ungraded courses. Achievements will also be analysed in a wider range of qualifications, including courses that many young people in Moray are taking as part of college Wednesday with Moray College UHI.
Councillor Kathleen Robertson, Leader of Moray Council and Chair of Education, Children’s and Leisure Services Committee said: “I want to extend my congratulations to all the students receiving their exam results today. Your achievements reflect the hard work and perseverance you have shown throughout the year, and we’re all very proud of you.
“The skills and experiences you have gained during your time in school will open many doors, and we're here to help you find the right path.”
In response to this year’s SQA examination results, Vivienne Cross, Head of Education (Chief Education Officer) at Moray Council said: “Congratulations to all of our young people who are receiving their results this morning. Many individuals have outstanding results however for those who do not receive what they expect please do not worry. School staff will be available to discuss options with you and recourse if necessary.
“In addition to this, we are expanding ungraded course options through SCQF qualifications to provide more personalised learning paths for our students.
“For all those Moray young people moving to a new pathway from school we wish you every success in the years ahead.”
Pupils looking for support or advice can contact their school in the first instance.
Skills Development Scotland are also on hand to support with advice and next steps through the Exam Results Helpline and are contactable on 0808 100 8000.
The SQA candidate advice line can also be reached on 0345 279 1000 or general advice is available on their website, www.sqa.org.uk and social media @sqanews.
Young people looking for advice about university places or clearing should contact UCAS online on www.ucas.com, on social media (facebook.com/ucasonline; X @ucas_online) or by telephone on 0371 468 0468.