More than 2,300 young people in Moray receive exam results
Early results show positive progress for pupils across Moray’s eight secondary schools, particularly among S4 pupils and those taking Advanced Highers.
More than 2,300 young people in S4 to S6 are receiving their Qualifications Scotland results today. While results vary across year groups and schools and in-depth analysis is still to take place, early indications show encouraging improvements and individual successes.
S4 pupils achieved 1,602 National four awards and made 4,314 National five entries, with an A-C pass rate of 78%, while 90% of entries achieved an A-D grade.
There have been positive improvements in important S4 attainment measures, particularly in the quality of passes. More pupils achieved six or more A grades and seven or more A grades at National five compared with previous years. Some S4 pupils also studied Higher-level qualifications where this was appropriate for their individual learning pathway.
S4 pupils performed particularly well in subjects including Art and Design, Engineering Science, English, French, Music, Physical Education, Practical Cookery, Practical Woodworking, Hospitality, Sport and Recreation, and Travel and Tourism.
In S5, pupils achieved 1,834 Higher awards. The Higher A-C pass rate was 72%, slightly lower than last year but higher than 2023/24. Overall, 88% of Higher entries achieved an A-D grade.
There was a small increase in the number of S5 pupils achieving at least one Higher, as well as an increase in pupils achieving five A grades at Higher. Strong subject results were seen in Art and Design, English, French, Graphic Communication, History, Music and Physical Education.
S6 pupils made 277 Advanced Higher entries and 845 Higher entries. The Advanced Higher A-C pass rate increased from 68% last year to 69% this year, while 86% of entries achieved an A-D grade.
There was also an increase in the number of S6 pupils achieving at least one Advanced Higher compared with last year. Strong Advanced Higher results were recorded in subjects including Art and Design, English, Geography, History and Music.
The S6 Higher A-C pass rate was 69%, with 82% of entries achieving an A-D grade. Many of Moray's school leavers will now move on to university, college, apprenticeships, training or employment. Last year (2024/25) saw 93.45% of Moray school leavers go into a positive destination.
Vivienne Cross, Head of Education at Moray Council, said: “A huge well done to all our learners receiving their results. We’re pleased to see positive progress in a number of areas, particularly the improvement in the quality of National five passes and the increase in pupils achieving Advanced Highers. We must also consider the achievements of individuals, who have excelled in their own chosen pathway and are now well on their way to their positive destination.
"At the same time, we recognise that results vary between year groups and schools and there is always more work to do to raise attainment and make sure every learner receives the support they need.
“Our focus remains on improving the quality of passes, raising aspirations and closing the attainment gap. We’ll continue working closely with schools, pupils and families to build on this year’s progress.”
Milne’s High School saw particularly positive results in S4 and S5 this year. Head Teacher Natalie Munro said: “We’re extremely proud of the hard work shown by our pupils. The improvements in S4 and S5, alongside the excellent individual achievements across the school, reflect the commitment of our young people and the support provided by staff and families.
“We’ll now work with each learner to help them understand their options and take their next step with confidence.”
Moray Council continues to support the national #NoWrongPath campaign, which reminds young people that success looks different for everyone and that there are many ways to reach their goals.
Pupils who would like to discuss their results or next steps should contact their school in the first instance.
Skills Development Scotland’s free Results Helpline is available on 0808 100 8000 and offers advice about college and university places, confirmation and clearing, apprenticeships, training, employment and staying at school.
Learners with questions about their results certificate can contact Qualifications Scotland’s Learner Support Hub on 0345 279 1000.
These early results provide only part of the overall picture. Further analysis will include wider qualifications and learning pathways, such as Foundation Apprenticeships, National Progression Awards and college-based learning. Moray Council will use the full data to identify where further support and improvement work is needed across its schools.