SBC: Exam results show 'continued success' across the Borders
Last updated 8th Aug 2023
The number of school leavers in the Borders going on to positive destinations like university or college, and apprenticeships, is at its highest for five years.
Education chiefs made the announcement as pupils across the region received confirmation of their exam results today (Tuesday).
Teenagers at Selkirk High School have been telling us about the impact the local authority's Inspire Learning programme - which saw all secondary pupils given their own iPads - has had on their education.
George Friendly, who got three As and 2 Bs in his Highers and now hopes to go on to study Maths at university, said: "The iPads help a lot actually, especially in the classes where you have to write alot of stuff down and keep track of things; like in Physics or English.
"But it has been weird to get used to going from paper (to a computer screen)."
And Corinna Boylan, who scored five straight As in National 5s, added: "It's really helped to keep everything organised and even being able to take it home and work on it anywhere really, it just really helps."
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Across Scotland, the Higher pass rate is down from last year but remains above pre-pandemic levels.
Former Head Girl Leagh Douglas - the councillor with responsibility for education in the Borders - returned to Selkirk High School to watch pupils receive their results. She said: “I am delighted to be able to congratulate the young people of the Scottish Borders on the results that have been achieved this year. Praise too must be given to the teachers, parents and carers who have taught, encouraged and supported them to strive and achieve their personal best.
“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."
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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 on  August 8th and 9th and 9am-5pm on August 10th and 11th.
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
For more stories from the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland, bookmark our new home page - https://planetradio.co.uk/greatest-hits/borders/news/