CLYDEBANK pupils are above the national average as thousands of youngsters received their exam results for yesterday.

A total of 98 per cent of 2,073 pupils who sat exams received one or more awards – matching last year’s success.

Education bosses said a record 79 per cent of S5 pupils received a Higher qualification, up three per cent from last year. And they said the Highers results were 2 per cent above the national average.

West Dunbartonshire Council also said National 4 and National 5 exams also scored better than Scottish figures, beating them by 4.4 per cent and 2.4 per cent respectively.

The local authority said St Peter the Apostle High saw a 23 per cent rise in passes in history and modern studies.

And there was a five per cent increases in passes for Higher business management and nine per cent boost in modern studies at Clydebank High.

There was a 98 per cent pass rate for Kilpatrick School pupils.

As with previous years, the local authority did not reveal the numbers behind the percentages and only highlighted increases. More details are usually released later in the year.

Councillor Karen Conaghan, convener of educational services, said: “It’s fantastic to see such success in the Higher examinations. Seeing results steadily improve year on year shows the hard work our pupils have put in and the dedication of the teachers who support them.

“It’s great to see improvements in literacy and numeracy figures which show we are continuing to equip our young people with the vital skills they need to succeed in adult life whatever career path they choose.”

Amy Creamer, 16, from Clydebank High, was “very pleased” with her fourth year results. She plans to continue with fifth and sixth year before going to university.

She added: “I passed by really focusing in class and studying hard through study leave.”

Twins Sophie and Kieran Gallacher, 16, from St Peter the Apostle, both received their text messages with results at the exact same time and were very pleased.

Sophie achieved five Higher A's and Kieran gained four Higher A’s and a B.

Sophie plans to finish sixth year and go to university to study maths finance or accounts.

In 6th year she will be doing advanced higher English and maths and higher accounts.

Kieran said: “I feel like it is more pressure being a twin but its great to find out that we both done so well.”

Next year he will study Advanced Higher maths, English and computing.

Caroline McAllister, vice convener of educational services, said: “I want to congratulate all our pupils on their achievements this year and wish them every success in the future.

“We put forward the largest number of pupils for Highers, and that too is where we saw the biggest improvement. We are delighted with the outcome here.”

Laura Mason, chief education officer, said: “We are proud of all of our pupils whose hard work throughout the year has seen them achieve these great results. These now allow them to move onto the next stage of their education – be that another year of school, university, college or an apprenticeship. “These results, and the fact that many of our schools are operating well above the national average, demonstrate the dedication of our school staff, who continually motivate and inspire their pupils.”

“Our goal now is to continue improving attainment and keep working towards closing the attainment gap for our pupils. We want to ensure every young person in West Dunbartonshire is supported to fulfil their potential.”