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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5. Perth and Kinross
Schools under the auspices of Perth and Kinross Council had a 80.3 per cent success rate when it came to pupils passing Highers. | Canva/Getty Images
6. City of Edinburgh
The City of Edinburgh just misses out on a place in the top five, with 79.5 per cent of Highers exams passed. | Canva/Getty Images
7. South Ayrshire
South Ayrshire takes seventh place in Scotland, with pupils achieving grades of A-C in 78.5 per cent of their Higher exams. | Canva/Getty Images
8. East Lothian
In East Lothian, including the town of North Berwick, 77.8 per cent of Highers were passed by pupils. | Canva/Getty Images