by David Bateman

PUPILS and parents across Clydebank celebrated a range of excellent individual achievements in this year’s Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) exams.

In a press release, West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) said 98 per cent of students at National 4 and 93 per cent of pupils at National 5 exams gained an award.

The council hailed the “record” results, where performance in literacy and numeracy improved with 100 per cent of pupils at National 2, 100 per cent of pupils at National 3 and 99 per cent of students at National 4 attaining qualifications.

Clydebank High pupil Gemma Gibney, 17, was celebrating after getting the exam passes she needed to be one of just 20 students from 400 to be accepted into the vet school at Scotland's Rural College in Broxburn.

“I did really well, I didn't think I would pass them all,” she said.

Stand-out St. Peter the Apostle student Phillip Allan, 18, was “definitely glad it's over” after shunning countless days and nights out with friends in favour of studying. It all paid off when he got his results – four 'A's at Advanced Higher.

Clydebank High's Lewis Priest, 16, was doubly delighted when his mum got him a new iPhone and he saw his results – 5 'A's and a 'B'.

“I was nervous,” he said. “I thought I'd get two or three 'A's. My mum was really surprised.”

Lewis is bravely thinking of studying advanced maths, chemistry and biology in sixth year with hopes of pursuing a career in science afterwards.

St Peter the Apostle's Dylan McKeith, 17, was awarded an 'A' and four 'B's at Higher, said: “I was a bit underwhelmed but my mum said 'what are you thinking? You've got five Highers under your belt!”

For some, results morning wasn't too nerve-racking. St Peter the Apostle pupil Emma Duffy, 18, was already accepted to study English at Strathclyde University.

Laura Mason, chief education officer, said: "These results are also testimony to our dedicated teaching staff who continue to motivate and inspire students.

"I want to thank [the] SQA for their running of this exam diet.

"Over the last five years we have made steady progress in raising attainment across West Dunbartonshire and we are all committed to maintaining that focus going forward and ensuring that all of our young people reach their potential.”

Advanced Higher results were the best ever in West Dunbartonshire - 77 per cent of pupils passed – although Ms. Mason conceded that “there is still some way to go” to meet the Scottish national average pass rate of 81.7 per cent.

Results at Higher also fell slightly to 75 per cent, one year after an improvement of five per cent. The Scottish average also fell by two per cent but the national standard still eluded West Dunbartonshire.

Ms. Mason said long-term, the trends in West Dunbartonshire were positive, especially given the area's high levels of deprivation.

“In West Dunbartonshire, we have to realise it is an area where there's deprivation and we need to make sure our young people are getting the opportunities and the best chances they can get,” she said.

“Where you live, your circumstances, ought not to determine what your potential is.”

A full evaluation of this year's results compared to previous years was not possible because West Dunbartonshire Council only provides a selective snapshot of pupils' results, focused entirely on the positives. A spokesperson declined to give any further figures.