Orkney SQA results compared to national attainment

SQA results were received by pupils across Orkney on Tuesday 8 August and the Orkney pass rates for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher were released.

Now schools’ focus is on supporting pupils with queries about their results and next steps, but they will also begin the evaluation of the results. National examination statistics have now been released, allowing Orkney’s schools to begin that evaluation by putting their attainment in context.

Nationally, pass rates decreased compared to 2022 at all three levels (National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher). The Orkney picture previously reported also shows decreases at all three levels compared to 2022.

At National 5, the A to C pass rate for Orkney is 78.6%, just slightly under the national rate of 78.8%.

At Higher, the A to C pass rate for Orkney is 77.7%, higher than the national rate of 77.1%.

At Advanced Higher, the Orkney A to C pass rate of 76.9% is lower than the national rate of 79.8%.

Evaluation of Orkney’s results in detail will be ongoing and will be reported at a later date.

Students are reminded that support is available from schools, Orkney College and SDS for anyone with queries about their results or wanting to reconsider their next steps, as follows:

Kirkwall Grammar School:

Mr Ewing (SQA Co-ordinator) will be available on 9 and 10 August from 9am -1pm. Appointments to discuss course changes will take place with Guidance Teachers on the afternoon of Monday 21 August; to make an appointment please contact the school office.

Stromness Academy:

Mr Barber will be available on 9 and 10 August from 9am -1pm. Appointments to discuss course changes will take place with Guidance Teachers on the afternoon of Monday 21 August; to make an appointment please contact the school office.

Orkney College:

Anyone wishing to enquire about Orkney College UHI courses can view options at Courses - Orkney College UHI, and can email Orkney.college@uhi.ac.uk, or telephone 01856 569000 with any queries.

Skills Development Scotland:

Orkney Careers Advisors can also be accessed by visiting the SDS Centre, 2 Albert Street or calling 872460 at any point, or you can call the Skills Development Scotland national helpline to speak to a qualified Careers Adviser on 0800 100 8000.