It was positive exam results news for students in East Renfrewshire yesterday.
At Barrhead High record levels of success were recorded, with the highest ever proportion of S5 pupils attaining five or more awards at Higher.
In total 30 per cent of the year group got five or more Highers, an increase of 10 per cent since 2019.
And at St Luke's High almost 96 per cent of S4 pupils at the Barrhead school achieved grades at National 4 level.
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A total of 77 per cent of S4 pupils in East Renfrewshire attained five or more awards at National 5 or better.
And 47 per cent of S5 pupils attained five or more awards at Higher, with 69 per cent of S5 pupils attaining three or more.
There were 240 S5 pupils who attained five or more A awards at Higher – 18 per cent of the year group.
And at Advanced Higher, 44 per cent of S6 pupils achieved one or more awards (an increase of 4 per cent since 2019).
East Renfrewshire Council’s convener for Education and Equalities, Councillor Andrew Anderson, praised the thousands of pupils for their dedication.
Councillor Andrew Anderson said: “East Renfrewshire’s pupils have continued to raise the bar with new record-breaking levels of attainment.
"The success of our pupils is directly attributable to their relentless efforts and resilience and the support and care of their parents and our dedicated staff, without whom these achievements would not be possible.
“Despite the ongoing effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, East Renfrewshire’s schools have gone above and beyond to enable all learners to experience high quality learning and teaching. Schools ensured that pupils were prepared for their SQA exams, and they have certainly delivered on all fronts, and we will ensure that all pupils continue to receive the support they need to do so in future, as we recover from the pandemic. Well done to everyone.”
Among those who received their results today was Barrhead High pupil Kirsty Maclean, who managed to juggle the commitments of training full time with Rangers Women team and all her studies.
The 17-year-old is delighted with her 5 Highers – 2As and 3Bs. The Scotland Under-17 cap, who has just signed a full-time professional contract with Rangers, is excited to see what the future holds.
Central midfielder Kirsty, whose favourite player is Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi, said: “Juggling my training commitments every night and keeping up my studies was certainly challenging, but the school really supported me to ensure I was as prepared as possible.
"I’ve already made a handful of appearances for the Rangers first team, so we’ll be looking to build on winning the league last season and after signed my first pro contract hopefully cementing my starting spot in the team. It’s fantastic that I’ve achieved such good results because it’s always important to have something to fall back on.”
Another Barrhead High pupil has already been offered his next step on the career ladder.
Cameron MacIntyre has secured a pipe fitting apprenticeship with BAE Systems. 2As, in PE and Metalwork, and a B in Geography, mean that the 17 year old will now be able to start his employment later this month.
A delighted Cameron said: “It’s absolutely class. I’m so delighted and now just can’t wait to get started in my apprenticeship. I enjoy hands-on type work so was really focussed on securing my apprenticeship and the school was so supportive in ensuring I was prepared for the exams to get the grades I needed.”
Callyn McTaggart almost left school before having a change of heart and staying on to sit his Highers. He went on to secure 2As, 1B and 1C.
Callyn said: “I originally wanted to leave and take up joinery, but then decided I’d see how I could get on with my Highers. I’m so glad I did because I now want to go into primary teaching. I’ve helped out coaching younger kids at football and it’s made me realise that I really enjoyed it and that teaching is the career for me.”
Amy Tasker, 17, from Barrhead, was jumping for joy after working so hard to get the results she wanted. 2As, 1B, 1C and a vocational qualification have set the 17-year-old up for her plans to pursue a career in primary teaching after being inspired as a youngster. She said: “I’ve always loved the idea of teaching because I had such a great primary school teacher who really inspired me and I’ve always wanted to follow in his footsteps.”
Other pupils excelling were Sol Duncan, 17, who gained 5As. Ailie Murphy, 17, was up at 6.45am waiting on the text to drop, but it was all worth it after finding out she had got 5As. She said: “I was so nervous but I’m so delighted.” Lewis McGuire, 17, also got 5As and hopes to pursue a career in Computing Science. And Lily MacPherson, 16, got 2As and 3Bs and now plans to return for 6th Year to do 2 Advanced Highers and one more Higher.
East Renfrewshire Council’s Director of Education Mark Ratter said: “I’m delighted for all the pupils, staff and parents that their hard work has delivered the results they deserve. With the ongoing challenges presented by Covid-19, the results delivered today are nothing short of outstanding. The improvements at S4, S5 and S6 provide clear evidence that we have focussed on equity and excellence by raising the bar for all.
"As a council, our values are ambition, kindness and trust. It is clear that all our pupils have demonstrated high levels of ambition and have dedicated themselves to achieve the very best outcomes possible. The fantastic exam results are just one element of what our schools do so well, ensuring all our pupils enjoy a well-rounded education with excellent experiences preparing them for the next step in their lives. I always look forward to seeing what our pupils go on to achieve next.”
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