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 worst performing council areas for Higher pass rates.
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5. Glasgow City
Pupils in Glasgow also passed 71.1 per cent of their Highers, completing the bottom five areas of Scotland for Higher results in 2026. | Canva/Getty Images
6. East Ayrshire
In East Ayrshire, where the largest town is Kilmarnock, pupils passed 72.3 per cent of their Highers this year. | Canva/Getty Images
7. North Lanarkshire
North Lanarkshire, which includes the new town of Cumbernauld, saw a 72.7 per cent success rate in students passing Highers. | Google Maps
8. Clackmannanshire
Pupils in Clackmannanshire, including the town of Alloa, managed to pass 72.8 per cent of the Highers they sat in 2026. | Canva/Getty Images