Congratulations for island pupils after 81% exam pass rate

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - AUGUST 04: Students react as they receive their exam results at Broughton High School on August 04, 2026 in Edinburgh, Scotland. Scotland's Education Secretary Màiri McAllan is visiting the school to meet and congratulate students receiving their exam results. The results are the first given since the educational body Qualifications Scotland replaced the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) at the end of last year, following years of controversy and what a 2021 report called a "misalignment" between school curriculum goals and the heavy focus on exam testing in the latter years of high school. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) : Pupils throughout Scotland this week received their exam results.

placeholder image — EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - AUGUST 04: Students react as they receive their exam results at Broughton High School on August 04, 2026 in Edinburgh, Scotland. Scotland's Education Secretary Màiri McAllan is visiting the school to meet and congratulate students receiving their exam results. The results are the first given since the educational body Qualifications Scotland replaced the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) at the end of last year, following years of controversy and what a 2021 report called a "misalignment" between school curriculum goals and the heavy focus on exam testing in the latter years of high school. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) : Pupils throughout Scotland this week received their exam results.

Early analysis of exam results across the Western Isles has shown that the area has once again performed above the national average with an overall pass rate of 81.1 per cent – two percentage points above the Scottish average.

The figures are broadly consistent with last year, and even slightly better as they are from a larger cohort with more exams sat by island pupils.

In 2026, a total of 622 pupils across the four secondary schools in the islands – the Nicolson Institute, Sir E Scott, Sgoil Lionacleit and Castlebay – undertook 2,932 different awards and qualifications across all presentation levels.

Analysis of data indicates that:

- 100% of pupils presented for awards at National 2, 3 and 4 successfully achieved them.

- Total presentations for exams and awards this year increased by 10.1% compared to 2025.

- Strong performance at S4 in National 5 awards saw pass rates increase to 83.1%, with young people performing well at this level across all schools.

- A large increase in presentation for Advanced Higher, combined with a pass rate 14.2% higher than in 2025.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar chairman of the education, skills and children’s services committee, Cllr Paul Finnegan, said: “I congratulate all children and young people across the Western Isles that are receiving news of success with their exam results.

"It is a pleasure to see so many of our pupils succeed across a wide range of qualifications.”

He said that for the pupils who didn’t get what they hoped “don’t be concerned”.

“There is support and guidance available from Comhairle staff and partner services,” he said.

“Remember that exam results are only a part of your learning journey and there will be many other opportunities and chances for you in the years ahead”

Donald Macleod, chief officer for education and children’s services, added: “Well done to every one of our children and young people that undertook qualifications and awards in 2026 and congratulations to all those receiving passes and successful achievements

“I also want to recognise the many other successes and achievements of the young people in our schools, whether that is through participation in our apprenticeship programme, other applied learning courses or in the fields of sport, music, culture or community service.

"Our community has a generation of successful young people to be very proud of.”