West Dunbartonshire Pupils Celebrate SQA Success

Published 05 August 2025

More than 2,200 young people across West Dunbartonshire are celebrating today after receiving their long-awaited SQA exam results.

From National 4 and 5 to Highers and Advanced Highers, students across all seven secondary schools in the area have worked hard to achieve qualifications.

For many the results will signal the completion of their school education, as they progress onto positive next steps, including university and college courses, apprenticeships, and full-time employment.

This morning, Councillor Clare Steel, Convener of Educational Services, met with pupils to mark the occasion.

She said: “Our young people have shown incredible determination and resilience in getting to this point. The exam period can be a hugely stressful time, and each and every pupil should be proud of what they’ve achieved.

“Speaking with pupils today, it was inspiring to hear the range of paths they’re taking—from further education to starting apprenticeships. It shows just how many exciting options are open to young people in West Dunbartonshire. I wish them all the very best as they take their next steps.”

Vice Convener Councillor John Millar also praised the students, saying: “Huge congratulations to all our pupils—your results are a credit to you and testament to your dedication and hard work. Whatever your results say today, know that there are many ways to reach your goals. For anyone who may not have received the outcome they hoped for, there is support available and guidance on where to go next.”

For support or advice, Skills Development Scotland’s Results Helpline is open from 8am on Tuesday 6th August at 0808 100 8000.

This year, SQA has supplied West Dunbartonshire with results for 9912 qualifications. Of those, 95% achieved at least one national qualification. At Higher level, 75% of pupils received at least one pass, while 77% of those sitting Advanced Highers achieved a pass. 80% gained at least one National 5 pass and 100% achieved at least one pass at National 4 level.

Notably, in a number of specialist subjects—such as Advanced Higher Art & Design, Graphic Communication, Physical Education and Spanish; Higher Health and Social Care; and National 5 courses including Accounting, Dance, Early Learning & Childcare, Energy, Health Sector, Italian, Media, Laboratory Science, Sport & Recreation and Travel and Tourism —100% of candidates achieved a passing grade.

Chief Education Officer Laura Mason commended both pupils and staff: “Our pupils should feel a real sense of pride in what they’ve achieved. These results reflect not just the hard work of young people, but also the dedication of our school staff and the support from families at home.

“We remain committed to helping every young person in West Dunbartonshire reach their full potential. Many of our pupils take part in wider learning opportunities beyond today’s exam results, and we look forward to reflecting on their full achievements when the national Insight data is released in September.”

A selection of case studies from pupils at our schools are available on the Exam Results Page 2025