Record number of Scottish pupils get university place

Exam results day in Scotland has seen more students receive a university place than in any previous year.

Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland, UCAS’s Helen Thorne confirmed that 28,300 Scottish students had been granted a place at university.

Over 140,000 students are receiving results for the National 4 and 5, Higher, Advanced Higher and Scottish Baccalaureate exams.

The figures show 234,160 National 5 passes and 114,635 National 4 passes, as well as more than 43,000 National Certificates, Awards and National Progression Awards in courses such as early education, childcare and computer games development.

Additionally, Scottish students scored 152,701 Higher passes, which is the highest number on record.

These results mark the first year that all schools and colleges have offered the new Higher to candidates, following last year’s phased introduction, and is the first year of the new Advanced Higher.

Dr Janet Brown, the SQA's chief executive and Scotland's chief examining officer, said: “This is the first year candidates will have been offered the full range of National Courses as part of Curriculum for Excellence. These results are testament to the dedication of the entire Scottish education system, working in partnership for the benefit of our young people.

“The new qualifications are performing well and the results clearly are enabling young people to transition between the levels and develop a wider range of skills. It is important to recognise the different paths candidates can take to achieve success, whether it be in National Courses, Skills for Work or National Progression Awards. Our flexible qualifications, which are accessible to a broad range of candidates, provide opportunities for further training, study or employment. The breadth of our qualifications also allows candidates to decide, with their teachers and lecturers, which qualifications and levels to pursue, depending on what is right for them.”