Record-breaking exam results as pupils keep raising the bar

Pupils from across East Renfrewshire have achieved fantastic results, allowing them to pursue the next step in their learning journey. At Isobel Mair School, a range of qualifications from National 1 to National 4 were secured by senior pupils. Jason Gray and Yahya Riaz both excelled and achieved National 3 passes in English. Senior phase pupils attending the East Renfrewshire Communication Support Service have also achieved a range of SQA National Qualifications and Skills for Work courses. The range of skills based courses have allowed the young people to develop real life practical expertise which has given them the confidence and knowledge to progress to positive destinations following their time in the Communication Support Service. As well as achieving outstanding qualifications, many of the pupils have carried out work placements and volunteering in their local community which will support their development as they move on to college to undertake further courses.

St Luke's High pupil Vidhi Chanyal, from Barrhead, is celebrating after landing 5As at Higher. Vidhi balanced studying for Highers in English, History, French, Drama, and Religious, Moral, and Philosophical Studies (RMPS), whilst also having her first novel published at the end of 2024. The aspiring author, whose debut novel Arise has already been recognised by major publishers, plans to continue her writing journey at university. 17-year-old Vidhi said: "I'm really passionate about developing my writing skills and plan to take that forward by studying English Literature at university. When developing my first novel, I enjoyed the whole process because it gave me the opportunity to control the story, create characters and publish something that others want to read. Reading has brought me so much joy growing up and to be able to do that for others is amazing. The fact I've got a novel published already gives me great confidence for the future, as I want to follow my dreams of becoming a full-time novelist. I'm delighted with my exam results which will allow me to follow my passion." The novel Arise tells the story of a young boy during the Salem witch trails in 1692.

Twin brothers Adam and Matthew Darroch, 16, from Clarkston, couldn't believe their eyes when they both secured identical exam results. The St Ninian's High pupils both got 9 As in their National 5 exams, but that's where the similarities end, as it seems they're focused on different career paths. Adam said: "I'm delighted with my results and feel that the support I got from the school really helped me. Obviously having a twin there's competition between us, but it's always done in a fun way. Having both of us studying at the same time was helpful because we could push each other on, and we both wanted to at least do as well as each other." And while Adam is not sure of his career path yet, it seems clear that the brothers will go opposite directions. Matthew said: "I knew I had worked hard, but you're never quite sure until your results come in. My brother got his results first and when he did so well that made it even more nerve-wracking. I was delighted when my results eventually came through and I'd done just as well. I'm planning on doing something with computing, which is a completely different career direction than my brother is thinking about."

Friends Lulu Bryce and Thomas McIntyre took to the stage in the lead roles in Harlequin Youth Theatre's production of Bugsy Malone earlier this summer. And now they're not only treading the boards together, but the St Ninian's High pupils have also both gained excellent exam results. Combining an intense rehearsal schedule with studying for their National 5s had its challenges, but Lulu and Thomas are delighted that the hard work paid off. Lulu, 16, from Eaglesham, said: "I had put the exams out of my head during the summer holidays but last night I was a bit nervous because this is my first year of waiting for results. I was trying not to put pressure on myself, but at the same time I knew that I'd worked hard and was hoping it had paid off. I'm thankful that I've now got the rewards for all my hard work. The rehearsals during study leave were intense, but I found it a good break from being in the house. It was a lot to prepare for all at once, but it was fantastic to have the show at the end of the exam period - it was such fun to round that period off." Thomas, 15, from Clarkston, said: "It certainly felt like a long wait for my results, but I was so relieved when I got them and saw what I'd got. At the moment, I'm considering pursuing a career in law, but I absolutely love doing musical theatre as well, so that will always be a passion and we'll see what happens in the future. Having the rehearsals for Bugsy Malone at the same time as studying was difficult, but it also gave me a bit of a release from the books. It took my mind off it and I'm just so delighted to have got the results. Now I'm looking forward to my next stage role in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat."

Fourth year pupils at both high schools in Barrhead have delivered record-breaking National 5 results. At St Luke's High, pupils gained the school's best ever results, with a 24% increase from last year in the number of pupils who gained 5 or more passes. Sofia Jackson, Yasmine Zourdani and Connor MacDonald were all delighted with their achievements. Yasmine Zourdani, 15, from Barrhead, secured 7 As and 2 Bs at National 5. She said: "I was so worried that I couldn't sleep last night. I had high expectations of myself and I was really hoping that it had paid off. When I opened my results and saw what I had I ran downstairs and my parents looked at them all - they're so proud of me. I'm so proud of what I've achieved because I had a lot going on outside of school, so to have got these results is amazing. The support I got from school was brilliant, they providing walk and talk sessions, when things were getting too much for me, and a range of other supports - I couldn't be more grateful for everything." Sofia Jackson, 16, from Barrhead, who plans to pursue a degree in Law and Italian, got 8 As at National 5 and an A in Higher Art. She said: "During the prelims I was learning how to manage my time properly and that really helped when it came to exam time. I was definitely on edge this morning and the text didn't come in immediately at 8am, but when it did I was just so relieved. The school really supported my preparations, and I would go along to the study hubs with my friends, which was helpful and we all supported each other." Connor MacDonald, 16, from Barrhead, was also delighted with his results, having secured National 5s in Practical Woodwork, Design & Manufacture, PE, Financial Services, as well as Level 5 Numeracy and National 4 Application of Maths & Computing. He said: "I thought I performed really well and was pleased with what I've achieved. I'm looking forward to doing the Highers I've picked for the year ahead."

At Barrhead High, there was a 32% increase from last year in the number of pupils who gained 5 or more passes at National 5 - also the school's best ever performance. Pupils Ben Murray, Aysha Syed, Jack Morrison, Zoe Bennie, Lana Anderson, Grace Hunter, and Abbie Reid all secured excellent results. Jack Morrison, who got 6As and 3Bs in his National 5s, said: "I was so happy this morning. Some of the exams were really tough, so to have achieved what I'd hoped for is brilliant." Aysha Syed, who got 6 As and 4Bs in here National 5s, said: "I was really anxious, but I woke up and the text was already on my phone. When I opened it and saw my results, I was so happy. When preparing for the exams, it was helpful that I was able to go all my teachers at any time for support and it's all been worth it."