STIRLING Council has welcomed SQA results awarded to young people across the region on Tuesday, August 8.

Hard working students across the area’s seven secondary schools have improved their SQA performance for another successive year, with hundreds of pupils gaining qualifications at National, Higher and Advanced Higher level.

Results for S4 pupils have shown an increase in the number of young people gaining at least five National 5 qualifications compared to 2016.

These are at their highest since the introduction of National 5 qualifications in 2013/14.

Stirling’s S5 results continue to improve and almost all are at their highest level since the introduction of the new qualifications.

This year’s results have shown an improvement in the number of young people achieving five or more Highers by the end S5, and is at its highest since the introduction of the new qualifications.

In S6, there has also been an increase in the number of Highers achieved.

This year’s S6 results are at their highest since the introduction of the new qualifications.

Stirling Council’s education convenor Susan McGill said: "This year’s successful results demonstrate the hard work of Stirling’s young people, the skills of teachers and school staff, and the support of parents and carers over the school year – congratulations to all."

In addition to the SQA awards, Stirling’s young people have also celebrated success in vocational courses at colleges and on the wide range of work placements undertaken.

A number of young people have left school to undertake a range of Modern Apprenticeships.

Young people have also benefited from a range of mentored work placements provided through the innovative Flexible Pathways Program, which involves a number of Stirling Council’s services from catering and cleaning, to culture and construction providing insights into the range of jobs that young people can undertake.

Two helplines are open for candidates following the issuing of the exam results.

Skills Development Scotland has a helpline for candidates whose results were either better or worse than they had expected.

Their advisers can offer information on college and university vacancies, employment and training and exam resits – the number is 0808 100 8000.

Meanwhile, the SQA Candidate Advice Line provides information for candidates on the content and layout of their certificate – the number is 0345 279 1000.