Dumfries and Galloway sees progress in S4 and S5 exam results
Improvement in pass rates and encouraging statistics for S5 attainment
The 2026 Qualifications Scotland exam results reveal a mixed picture for Dumfries and Galloway, with positive gains in S4 and encouraging progress in S5 attainment.
National 5 exams showed a notable increase with pass marks rising nearly 2% to a 90.2% pass rate, up from 88.3% in 2025.
The A-C pass rate also saw an improvement, reaching 77.7% compared to 75.9% the previous year.
Improvement in S5 Attainment
S5 students demonstrated notable improvements across key Level 6 measures. The proportion with one plus at Level 6 increased from 46.6% in 2025 to 52.5%.
Those achieving three plus at Level 6 rose from 28.0% to 32.7%, and five plus increased from 11.5% to 14.3%.
Challenges in S6 Results
Despite positive trends in S4 and S5, S6 attainment faced some declines, with passes at Level 6 dropping by about 6.5% on average from last year.
Yet, digital Advanced Higher pass rates in History, Modern Studies, and Maths surpassed national averages, offering a silver lining.
Cllr Tracey Little, Chair of the Education, Skills and Community Wellbeing Committee, expressed appreciation to all school staff and central officers for their dedication in supporting students.
"I would like to say thanks to all school staff and central officers for the role have played in supporting our young people to achieve their qualifications this year.
"The commitment, professionalism and collaborative efforts across schools and services continue to make a positive difference for learners across Dumfries and Galloway," Little said.
Cllr George Jamieson, Vice Chair of the committee, noted the achievements in National 5 outcomes and S5 figures while emphasising the need to focus on further improvement in the senior phase.
"There is much to celebrate in this year's National 5 outcomes and in S5 figures too.
"We must also recognise the need to continue our collective focus on improving attainment and achievement in the senior phase.
"I would also like to flag up that there is help and advice out there for any learner who needs it around their exam results," Jamieson said.
To support learners, parents, and carers, Skills Development Scotland offers a dedicated exam results advice helpline at 0808 100 8000.
Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Greatest Hits Radio app.