Orkney pupils receive exam results

Pupils across Orkney are today receiving their examination results from the Scottish Qualifications Authority.

Students who signed up for the SQA’s text or email results service should have received their results this morning with results on paper delivered by First Class post throughout the day.

Gwenda Shearer, Orkney Islands Council’s Chair of Education, Leisure and Housing said: “I wish to offer my congratulations to all those who received results today, for their commitment to their studies, and thank their families, teachers, lecturers and the wider school and college community who supported them.

“Today is a day for all pupils and adult learners across Orkney to celebrate their many achievements and successes, after many months and years of study.

“The Orkney Offer is now well established for our senior pupils and means they increasingly follow subject options that are more relevant to their individual needs.

“This is important as it leads to more appropriate qualifications, helping them to achieve better leaver destinations whether it be for university entrance, entering the job market or taking up an apprenticeship.

“Although the range and scope of courses taken by pupils have changed again this year, we are pleased that the overall pass rate across Orkney’s schools is strong at 83 per cent, up on last year‘s pass rate of 80 per cent.”

When schools and college staff return from the summer holiday, detailed analysis of the results will take place, subject by subject, enabling the council to evaluate trends, build on success and establish where any improvements may be needed.

From this morning, schools are offering results-day support to help any pupils with queries about results, university/college applications or option choices for next year.

Pupils and parents are welcome to drop in or contact Stromness Academy throughout today, and Wednesday between 9am and 3pm, where head teacher Jane Partridge and guidance staff can provide help and advice.

At Kirkwall Grammar School, depute head teacher Neil Ewing is on hand on Wednesday from 9am to 1pm, while guidance manager Marilyn Firth will be available today from 9am to 3pm to talk through results and options with pupils.

Skills Development Scotland staff are also available at both KGS and Stromness Academy today and the SDS team at Kirkwall Careers Centre in Albert Street can also be contacted 872460.

In addition, SDS’ dedicated Exam Results Helpline is manned by qualified advisors who can be contacted on 0808 100 8000.