ATTAINMENT in Inverclyde continues to rise with improvements recorded in this year's SQA exam results.

Inverclyde Council has confirmed that results are up at both Advanced Higher and Higher levels, with a small decrease in performance in National 5s.

With traditional exams cancelled for the second year in a row due to the coronavirus pandemic, students were awarded their grades based on teachers’ professional judgements, taking into account assessment evidence gathered during the school term.

In S5, more than 70 per cent of pupils gained at least one Higher (up 5.5 per cent), almost 46 per cent achieved three or more Highers (an increase of five per cent), and more than a fifth of students gained at least five Highers (a rise of nearly seven per cent).

Advanced Higher rates are also on the up with nearly a quarter of sixth year students securing at least one pass, an increase of 1.1 per cent.

There was a slight dip in National 5s but almost 40 per cent of pupils still achieved five or more passes at that level.

Councillor Jim Clocherty, convener of education, says the headline figures make 'very pleasant reading'.

He added: "I would like to congratulate everyone who has achieved their goals.

"These results are reward for a lot of hard work by pupils, their parents and carers and staff over several years."

The positive SQA results end a challenging year for pupils, parents and staff.

Cllr Clocherty added: "I'd like to take this opportunity to thank every member of staff who played such a key role in the education of our young people.

"It is through their dedication that we are able to achieve these kind of results and to give our young people the opportunity to go on and lead rewarding and successful lives.

"I would also like to thank parents and carers for their continued support and for the significant and vital role they play in their children’s education.

"For the young people who may have been disappointed by their results, they should remember that every effort will be made to support them to achieve the qualifications they are looking for.

"We have a long and successful track record for helping people into jobs, further education and training and we will use all of that experience to ensure no one misses out."

*Pupils who need advice following their results can call the Skills Development Scotland results helpline for free on 0808 100 8000 or visit www.myworldofwork.co.uk