The pass rate for National 5 Maths in East Lothian Council schools has risen by 11% for academic session 2023/24 compared to the previous year, according to new data.
To our learners I’d like to say this: congratulations on your achievements and the hard work and resilience that will have gone into achieving them.
The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) published its Attainment Statistics for 2023/24 today. In East Lothian, 2,679 candidates received 13,970 awards, which was an increase on last year (2,428/ 13,764). The results were analysed against the previous year’s exam diet and the five-year historical average 2015-2019 to provide context. Results from 20/21 and 21/22 have not been included in the historical average due to the significantly different nature of assessment during the COVID-19 period.
Achievements at National 5 level increased compared to the previous year and the five-year average across all but one of the main measurements which remained the same. The number of presentations, pupils achieving ‘one or more’ or ‘three or more’ National 5s and the number of learners achieving an A-C grade all rose while the number achieving ‘five or more’ National 5s was in line with last year. Pass rates at Maths and English also rose by 1% and 11% respectively, both taking them above the historical average.
The number of presentations at Higher level was marginally lower than in 2022/23 and achievements decreased across all categories. While more young people sat Advanced Higher qualifications, the number achieving ‘one or more’ qualification at this level remained in line with previous years and the overall pass rate fell.
SQA levels in brief
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National 2, National 3 and National 4
1,120 pupils were presented for National 2, National 3 and National 4 in 23/24, in line with the previous year (1,125). The number of awards increased from 3102 to 3230, a rise of 4%.
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National 5
Achievements at National 5 level increased compared to the previous year and the five-year average across all but one of the main measurements which remained the same. The number of presentations, pupils achieving ‘one or more’ or ‘three or more’ National 5s and the number of learners achieving an A-C grade all rose while the number achieving ‘five or more’ National 5s was in line with last year. Pass rates at Maths and English also rose by 1% and 11% respectively, both taking them above the historical average.
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Highers and Advanced Highers
Results for Highers and Advanced Highers were lower than in 2022/23 and below the five-year average. The number of young people presented for Highers fell by 1% (71% compared to 72% both last year and five-year average). 74% achieved A-C grades (3% lower than last year) while the pass rate was lower for both Higher English (75%, in line with national average compared to 77% in 22/23) and Higher Maths (74% compared to 77%; 1% above the national average). Presentations of S6 pupils for Advanced Highers increased by 5% compared to 2023 however the pass rate fell by 6% compared to the same period (70% in 2024 compared to 76% in 2023).
Support from schools
East Lothian Council’s Cabinet member for Education and Children’s and Family Services Councillor Fiona Dugdale said:
“SQA results day gives us a huge amount of data that we can use to understand our learners’ achievements in the context of the authority and each individual school. We will be working with our Head Teachers to use this information and act upon it as part of our raising attainment strategy. For example, we can see the results of our authority-wide focus on maths in our National 5 results and we will be building on this success in the new academic session.
“However it’s important to note that it doesn’t capture the full range of qualifications that we offer including foundation apprenticeships which are growing in popularity in East Lothian. I am proud that our schools offer a range of routes to meet different interests, abilities and ambitions.
“To our learners I’d like to say this: congratulations on your achievements and the hard work and resilience that will have gone into achieving them. However you feel about your results, it’s important you remember that today is one day in your life. It’s not a complete reflection on who you are or what you can achieve in future. It is an opportunity to reflect on what matters to you, what you want to do next and how you’re going to get there. Our schools are ready to support you in these next steps, to celebrate your successes and to help you reach your full potential. Please speak to your school team or contact Skills Development Scotland if you have any questions.”
Skills Development Scotland’s Results Helpline is available on 0808 100 8000 or visit www.myworldofwork.co.uk
The SQA diet 2023/24 results do not include Foundation Apprenticeships, college partnership or vocational qualifications.
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National 2, National 3 and National 4
National 2, National 3 and National 4 qualifications are made up of units which are internally assessed as pass or fail by the school or college, and externally quality-assured by SQA.
|
Achievement |
2023/ 24 |
Compared to 22/23 |
Compared to 5-year average 2015-19 |
|
Number of awards certificated at N2 |
44 |
Increase (14) |
Increase (9) |
|
Number of awards certificated at N3 |
841 |
Increase (531) |
Increase (272) |
|
Number of awards certificated at N4 |
2345 |
Increase (2565) |
Increase (2238) |
National 5
|
Achievement |
23/24 |
Compared to EL 22/23 |
Compared to national average 23/24 |
Compared to 5-year EL average 2015-2019 |
|
% of S4 cohort pupils presented |
81% |
+1% |
(not published) |
-1% |
|
Achievement of A-C grades |
78% |
+2% |
+1% |
+1% |
|
English pass rate |
89% |
+1% |
+5% |
+2% |
|
Maths pass rate |
67% |
+11% |
-1% |
+3% |
Highers
|
Achievement |
23/24 |
Compared to EL 22/23 |
Compared to national average 23/24 |
Compared to 5-year EL average 2015-2019 |
|
% of S5 cohort pupils presented |
71% |
-1% |
(not published) |
-1% |
|
Achievement of A-C grades |
74% |
-3% |
-1% |
-3% |
|
English pass rate |
75% |
-2% |
in line with |
-5% |
|
Maths pass rate |
74% |
-3% |
+1% |
in line with |
Advanced Highers
|
Achievement |
23/24 |
Compared to EL 22/23 |
Compared to national average 23/24 |
Compared to 5-year EL average 2015-2019 |
|
% of S6 cohort pupils presented |
56% |
+5% |
(not published) |
+15% |
|
Achievement of A-C grades |
70% |
-6% |
-5% |
-9% |