Pupils across Scotland received their much-anticipated exam results yesterday (Tuesday, August 5) - with a 0.8 per cent rise in Higher passes.
That meant that students achieved grades A-C in 76.7 per cent of Highers, with pass rates also up in National 5s and Advanced Highers.
It was good news for Education Secretary Màiri McAllan, who only took on the role earlier this year, who said: “This is testament to the breadth and strength of Scotland’s education system, the professionalism of our teachers and school staff and the hard work of our young people.”
However, the percentage of pupils passing their Highers varies considerably between council areas, with East Renfrewshire having the highest pass rate of 87.1 per cent and Moray having the lowest at 69.5 per cent - a difference of 17.6 per cent.
Here are the 10 best performing council areas for Higher pass rates.
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1. East Renfrewshire
East Renfrewshire, which includes leafy Newton Mearns, has an 87.1 per cent pass rate for Highers, putting it top in Scotland. | Google Maps
2. East Dunbartonshire
Second place goes to East Dunbartonshire, with its administrative centre of Kirkintilloch, with a 82.9 per cent Higher pass rate. | Canva/Getty Images
3. Orkney
The Orkney Islands, with its council headquartered in Kirkwall, takes third spot with a 81.8 per cent Higher success rate. | Canva/Getty Images
4. Stirling
In Stirling pupils passed an impressive 81.1 per cent of their Highers in 2026. | Canva/Getty Images