Thousands of pupils received their much-anticipated exam results this week.placeholder image
Thousands of pupils received their much-anticipated exam results this week. | Getty Images

Scottish Exam Results 2026: Here are the 10 worst performing council areas for Higher passes - from Moray to West Lothian

Pass rates are up but results vary across Scotland.

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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