Private schools in top form

Figures published by the Scottish Council for Independent Schools (SCIS) this year revealed record exam pass rates for all private schools north of the Border, with 51 per cent of all pupils achieving an A-grade at Higher.

The overall pass rate for Highers was 74.6 per cent and the Advanced Higher pass rate was at 77.5 per cent.

There was a 13 per cent rise in A-grades at Advanced Higher, with 44 per cent achieving the top grade compared with 39 per cent last year.

Among the highest-performing schools was the High School of Glasgow, which saw all of its pupils passing three or more Highers.

The specialist St Mary's Music School, and Dollar Academy in Clackmannanshire achieved the same feat.

Many schools in the independent sector saw more than 90 per cent of their S5 pupils passing three or more Highers.

However, many in the sector such as Edinburgh Academy also offer A-levels and so have lower numbers taking Highers.