West Dunbartonshire pupils celebrate exam success on results day

Published 04 August 2026

Pupils across West Dunbartonshire are celebrating today as they receive their exam results and prepare for the next stage of their education, training and careers.

West Dunbartonshire schools presented more than 2000 young people for Qualification Scotland examinations in National 4, National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher.

The results demonstrate continued progress in attainment across all levels, with 83% of presentations being successful.

At Higher level, 86% of the 996 young people put forward gained at least one qualification, demonstrating sustained improvement over the past three years.

At Advanced Higher level, 82% of pupils presented achieved a pass, while the number of young people presented for qualifications increased by 28%, showing increasing ambition from our young people.

The National 5 level results remain strong too, with 89% of 1,390 pupils presented achieving a qualification – higher than the national pass rate of 79.2%.

And in National 4, pass rates remained at 100% for the second consecutive year, exceeding the national pass rate.

In addition, there were particular highlights across all schools.

Clydebank High School recorded its highest National 5 pass rate of the last five years at 86%, continuing a pattern of year-on-year improvement and significantly 8% above last year’s national figure. This success was achieved alongside a 5% increase in the number of candidates presented at this level.

At Dumbarton Academy, Advanced Higher performance was particularly strong, with A-C pass rates reaching 89%, an increase of 16.2 percentage points from last year. This marks the best Advanced Higher result achieved by the school in the past five years and the highest pass rate of any of our secondary schools.

Our Lady and St Patrick’s High School’s National 5 pass rates remained at 87%, retaining the highest pass rate in the authority and significantly above last year’s national figure. This continues a pattern of strong performance, with the result standing as the school's joint second-highest in the last five years.

St Peter the Apostle High School pupils increased the Higher pass rate by two percentage points on last year, at 74%. This marks its third-highest results achieved in the past five years, reflecting sustained positive attainment. The school also recorded a 10% increase in presentation for Advanced Higher representing the highest number in the authority.

At Vale of Leven Academy, pupils achieved the highest result in the past five years at Higher level, with a pass rate of 75% - an increase of three percentage points. The school also achieved a four percent increase in its National 5 A-C pass rate, delivering its second-highest result in the last five years.

Many young people who were studying with partner organisations including West College Scotland, will be receiving those results today too.

For many young people, these results mark the completion of their school journey and the beginning of exciting new opportunities. Pupils will now progress to a wide range of positive destinations, including employment, apprenticeships, college and university.

Gillian Hamilton, Chief Education Officer, said: "I am delighted with this year's results, which reflect the hard work, determination and ambition of our young people, as well as the invaluable support of their families and school staff.

"These achievements are thoroughly deserved. Every day, our teachers and support staff go above and beyond to help our pupils reach their full potential, and it is wonderful to see that commitment reflected in these results.

"Success like this is a true team effort. I am incredibly proud of what our pupils have achieved and grateful to everyone who has played a part in supporting them.

“These results represent some of our strongest performances to date, as well as sustained improvements in attainment over time, and provide an excellent foundation for the future."

Councillor Michelle McGinty, Convener of Educational Services, said: “I am incredibly proud of our pupils for their hard work, determination and individual commitment in getting these outstanding results. Our young people have shown, yet again, that hard work pays off and every pupil should feel extremely proud of what they have achieved this year.”

Councillor John Millar, Vice Convener of Educational Services, said: “These results are testament to the continued commitment of our schools to inspire hard work and ambition in pupils across a wide range of disciplines. Through the commitment of our dedicated teachers, personalised support and a shared belief that everyone can achieve if they work hard, we see these excellent results today. I wish all our pupils the very best for their future.”

A selection of case studies from pupils at our schools are available here: Exam Results Page 2026 | West Dunbartonshire Council

Skills Development Scotland (SDS) run a Results Helpline from 8am-8pm on 4 August and 5 August to support learners, parents and carers with next‑step advice. The number is 0808 100 8000.