SQA Exam Pass Rates Rise Across Scotland Including Orkney, Argyll, Inverclyde

Students across Scotland have received their 2025 Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) exam results, with many regions showing improved pass rates compared to 2024. Orkney reported a strong performance with pass rates surpassing national averages at National 5 (83.2%), Higher (75.2%), and Advanced Higher levels (77.5%). Argyll and Bute also saw increases in National 5 and Higher pass rates, both aligning with or above national averages, though Advanced Higher passes decreased. Inverclyde noted a rise in National 5 passes to 90.8%, while Higher and Advanced Higher pass rates saw minor declines. Nationally, overall pass rates for National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher slightly increased, accompanied by a modest reduction in the poverty-related attainment gap, though disparities remain significant. However, some administrative delays affected certification for certain UHI Orkney external courses, with the college advising impacted students to contact them directly for support.