The A team: Half of pupils at independent schools secure top grade in their Highers

Published on Friday 22 August 2008 22:17

NEARLY half of pupils at independent schools achieved an A grade in this year's Higher results, according to new statistics published yesterday.

The figures, from the Scottish Council for Independent Schools (SCIS), showed 90 per cent of fifth-year pupils passed their Highers for the third year running.

The percentage achieving at least one A-grade rose to 49 per cent – back to 2006 levels after a dip to 47 per cent last year.

Pass rates at Higher level have remained steadily impressive over the past six years – at 90 per cent, with a high exception of 91 per cent in 2005.

Judith Sischy, director of SCIS, said: "These results reflect the purposeful learning environment that is part of the ethos in an independent school, encouraging pupils of all abilities to progress without disruption and to aspire to succeed.

"The reward for their hard work will be in achieving their ambition to go to university, college or employment and hopefully obtain a passport to a secure career for the rest of their lives."

Advanced Higher pass rates in sixth year were also strong – at 88 per cent compared to 87 per cent last year.

A-grade passes at Advanced Higher also crept back up towards previous levels at 38 per cent after a dip to 37 per cent from 40 per cent the previous year.

St Columba's School in Kilmacolm, Renfrewshire, was one of the best performing, achieving the highest percentage of grade A passes at Higher.

David Girdwood, rector, congratulated staff and pupils and claimed the result was a record for the school. He said: "I am delighted with the Higher examination results, not only because of the pass rate of 95.2 per cent but, more importantly, because of the quality of the passes.

"To achieve 61.4 per cent grade A passes, with one third of candidates being awarded five As or more, is outstanding and the highest percentage in the school's history.

"I have high expectations of my pupils and they have fulfilled these expectations and more."

Higher pass rates for state schools were revealed earlier this month at 73.4 per cent – the second year in a row the figure has risen.

Craigholme, the only "all-through" independent girls' school in the West of Scotland, was also celebrating record results yesterday.

Based in Glasgow's south side, the school achieved the highest proportion of Advanced Higher passes in its history, with a pass rate of 91.7 per cent – up 2 per cent from last year.

In addition, the school maintained its 91.6 per cent pass rate at Higher and 100 per cent at Standard Grade.

Gillian Stobo, the principal of Craigholme, was "delighted" with the results. She said: "They clearly reflect the hard work that the girls have put into their studies."

And she added: "Craigholme has a fine history and we aim to ensure that our pupils receive a balanced education that not only prepares them for univer-sity life and their future careers, but also develops happy, well- rounded young women."