It's exam results day - but how did teens here in the North do?

More than 140,000 Scottish school pupils are receiving their exam results today - but how did teens here in the North get on?

Thousands of candidates opted to receive their results by text and email, but the majority will still have to wait for the postman to arrive with their certificates.

In Moray the number of students achieving five As at Higher was 22 – one more than last year and the highest figure since 2012 - while 14% of candidates in S5 gained five Highers, similar to the previous two years.

Of the 22 gaining five As, seven were from Elgin Academy and five from Forres Academy, while Buckie High had four – its best result since 2013.

At Elgin High, two pupils achieved 5 A passes -the first time this has happened in consecutive years since 2003.

Across S4, 49 students achieved six As at National 5 level.

Individual schools with standout results included Keith Grammar with 15% more pupils achieving 5+ National 5 results as well as 87% of fourth year pupils gaining at least one National 5 award. Milne’s High also saw an increase of 10% for those pupils sitting 5+ national 5 awards.

Moray Council’s head of schools and curriculum development, Vivienne Cross, said: “Analysis of our results is ongoing with more detailed work taking place over the course of the next week or so. In line with Scottish Government priorities we will be looking closely at how schools are closing the attainment gap for all young people.

“We will also be working closely with our secondary head teachers in the autumn term to review the attainment for this year and consider this in line with school improvement priorities.

“Attainment levels are reported nationally as our young people leave secondary school, therefore full results will not be available until next spring once leaver destination figures are finalised.”

Mrs Cross said the young people were to be congratulated on their achievements.

“Young people do not only work hard to gain a range of qualifications and awards but also are much more aware of the skills for learning and life and work which they gain and will continue to develop throughout their lives,” she said.

“Many have overcome major difficulties in gaining their results today and each and every one of them should be proud of their achievements.”

And in the Highlands there were some positive results too - in S4, the percentage of pupils who achieved 5 plus qualifications at National 5 has increased by almost 2% from last year.

342 pupils achieved 5 Higher qualifications at grades A-C and 84 achieved 5 Highers qualifications at grade A. This is an increase of eight from last year.

Councillor Drew Millar, Chairman of the Highland’s Education, Children & Adult Services, said: "I would like to thank all the young people being recognised for their hard work and achievements. I would also like to recognise and pay tribute to the teachers, parents and carers for their support and commitment."

Last year, a record number of Highers were awarded to pupils sitting a new set of qualifications for the first time under Curriculum for Excellence reforms.

Figures from the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) showed there were a record 156,000 Higher passes in 2015, up 5.5% on 2014.

The 2015 pass rate for the new Highers was 79.2%, but there was controversy over the maths exam with the pass rate lowered to 34% after complaints that it was too hard.

This year, part of the English Higher paper was changed at short notice amid concern about a possible leak of a question.

Deputy First Minister and Scotland's Education Secretary, John Swinney, will meet pupils in Glasgow as they receive their results.

Earlier in the week, Mr Swinney visited careers advisers working on an advice and support helpline set up for young people and their parents to discuss results and their options.

Skills Development Scotland said the service is for use by people who do not get the results they hoped for or for students who may have done better than they anticipated.

Mr Swinney said exam results are a ''beginning rather than an end point'' and encouraged anyone in need of advice to use the free 0808 100 8000 helpline.

“Receiving results can be a daunting and nerve-wracking time, and I think it is important that we recognise this and make sure all of the students who will receive results are supported with advice and guidance to make the best possible choices going forward,'' Mr Swinney said.

“If you get the results you are looking for, then that is obviously fantastic. However, if students do not get what they need this time round, then be assured that there are a huge number of things you can consider and there is support available to help you get where you want to be.”

For those waiting for results by post, the Royal Mail promised to "pull out all the stops'' to deliver certificates as early as possible.

Arrangements are also in place to get results to young Scots in 45 countries around the world.

Royal Mail head of special events planning Derek Keir said: “This is a massive day for every pupil in Scotland, waiting for their results.

“All of our postmen and women, many of whom have children themselves, understand just how important this day is for families.

“Our people pull out all the stops to ensure the results are delivered as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

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