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Pupils receive exam results across North Ayrshire
North Ayrshire Council has shared their congratulations and well-wishes to the almost 3,200 senior pupils across North Ayrshire who have received their exam results today.
With a total of over 14,500 qualifications being awarded to our pupils this year, early analysis of the results shows that we continue to achieve success at a range of levels in our schools across the authority.
The total number of qualifications awarded to S4 candidates has gone up since last year. Just under 79% of S4 pupils gained at least one National 5 qualification at grades A-C, and over 300 S4 pupils walked away with at least seven National 5 qualifications or better.
Across 38 subjects this year, there were almost 4,100 Highers and Advanced Highers awarded to just over 1,400 candidates in S5 and S6. The pass rate for Higher has increased on last year, and the average number of awards at these levels gained per pupil has remained consistent compared to last year.
Further analysis of this year’s attainment is ongoing to provide the most comprehensive report on the attainment levels of all school leavers in North Ayrshire. This analysis will be presented to the council’s Cabinet later in the session as we continue to explore how we can drive even further improvement.
SQA results day, while hugely significant, does not present the complete picture of the attainment of our young people.
In line with national developments, North Ayrshire schools continue to diversify and expand their curriculum. For example, in addition to these results, young people experience success in a growing number of additional courses through other providers, which are resulted at different points throughout the academic session.
Quote: Once again, I am extremely impressed with the commendable achievements of our young people, which I know are the result of significant hard work and dedication on their part. On behalf of North Ayrshire Council, I would also like to share my sincere thanks to our dedicated school staff, who have helped to prepare the young people for the assessments and coursework submissions which have led to these qualifications. We should also recognise parents, carers and wider families, who have been an uplifting and vital source of support and encouragement to the young people throughout the last school year. Of course, whilst many will be delighted with their results today, we do recognise that some pupils will be disappointed, and we want to make sure that every pupil in North Ayrshire is supported with their next steps. As we know, there are many routes to future success beyond school, regardless of what appeared on certificates today. In the coming days and weeks as we start the new school term, our teachers and school leadership teams will be available to discuss options and provide guidance and next steps.”
Quote from: Councillor Shaun Macaulay, Cabinet Member for Education and Young People
Further support:
If you are a young person in need of support following your exam results – or you’re a parent or carer supporting someone, see our round-up of helpful resources below:
- Information and support about Results Day is available via the SQA website.
- The #NoWrongPath campaign also highlights the different options that are available to young people and aims to show them that exam results are not necessarily the only key to unlocking future success. Follow Developing the Young Workforce North Ayrshire on Facebook for info on this.
- The Parent Club website has a host of helpful resources about planning for the future and immediate next steps: Results and the future | Parent Club
- The Skills Development Scotland Results Helpline number is 0808 100 8000 – the helpline will be open Tuesday 5 and Wednesday 6 August (8am to 8pm) and Thursday 7 and Friday 8 August (9am to 5pm) where expert advisers will be on hand to answer any questions from those seeking advice on their next steps after receiving their certificates. Advisers will have access to information on course vacancies at colleges and universities, Confirmation and Clearing, advice about Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprenticeships and jobs, volunteering, training or staying on at school.
Other helpful numbers:
- ChildLine - 0800 11 11
- Breathing Space - 0800 83 85 87
- Samaritans - 116 123
- Parentline (operated by Children First Scotland) - 0800 028 2233
Pictured today are pupils from Irvine Royal Academy, joined by Headteacher Linzie Sloan who said: "I am exceptionally proud of our young people who have done so well to meet their targets and achieved their ambitions. It has also been brilliant today hearing from pupils who will be able to progress to their desired first choice college and university.
"The exam results for Irvine Royal are a credit to both the hard work of the pupils and the wider school community including teachers, school staff, integrated support and partners who have provided pupils with an array of opportunities.
"Tomorrow our Senior Leadership Team will be available for anyone looking to discuss next steps. Well done everyone and best of luck for the next chapter."
Published: 05 August 2025