PUPILS at Dunoon Grammar School were celebrating outstanding exam success on Tuesday as new figures revealed a record number of qualifications were achieved across Argyll and Bute.
Across the council area, learners gained 685 more awards than in 2024, with more young people than ever before being supported to enter and achieve national qualifications.
The results, published by Argyll and Bute Council, also showed improvements in Higher and Advanced Higher pass rates, while the number of National 5 awards has increased by nine per cent over the past two years and Higher awards have risen by 17 per cent.
Nationally, Argyll and Bute’s National 5 A-D pass rate of 89.4 per cent matched the local authority average, while the Higher pass rate of 90.8 per cent was 0.7 percentage points above the national local authority figure.
At Dunoon Grammar School, head teacher David Mitchell MBE praised pupils for their achievements.
He said: “We are incredibly proud of all our young people for their hard work, determination and resilience throughout the year. These examination results reflect not only their commitment to their studies but also the dedication of our staff and the invaluable support of parents and carers.
“Whether young people are continuing their education at Dunoon Grammar School, apprenticeships, university or employment, they should be proud of what they have achieved. We celebrate every success and look forward to seeing our young people continue to thrive as they take the next steps in their education and careers.”
Mr Mitchell also had a message for those whose results were not what they had hoped for.
He said: “It is important to remember that examination results do not define a young person’s potential, and there are always options available. Our staff will be on hand to offer advice and guidance, and young people and parents are encouraged to speak with their head of house if they would like to discuss next steps or make changes to option choices.”
Among those celebrating was S4 pupil Abigail Ledsom, who achieved straight A grades across her National 5 subjects, including English, mathematics, applications of mathematics, modern studies, history, biology, business and PE.
The high-achieving pupil admitted she had hoped for strong results but still felt relieved when they arrived.
She said: “I’m a really high achiever so I expect it from myself and I put a lot of pressure on myself.
“I would have been fine with any outcome but I was really hoping for it and I’m glad I did get it.
“All throughout school I have been very consistent with studying, so I didn’t find it important to go crazy at exam time. Applying myself with the homework and tests meant I only needed a quick two-day revision before each exam.”
She hopes to become a lawyer, following in the footsteps of several family members, and remains on track to do so in the coming years.
She added: “I feel I would be well suited to the career, but I do want to keep my options open.”
S6 pupil Charlie Flynn also collected five A grades in Higher Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, English and Engineering Science.
Charlie hopes to study engineering at university and said his revision strategy centred around regular practice with past papers.
He said: “My exams were all nicely spaced out.
“Before each exam I’d do a bit of revision, then a past paper to see if I could finish it in time and get a good enough mark. That was kind of enough.”
Despite excelling across the board, he admitted English had been the subject he worried about most.
He commented: “Other than English, I wasn’t very nervous.
“English was a bit of a surprise to get an A, I’m much more of a science and maths person.”
Fellow S4 pupil Ryan Smith also earned straight A grades after sitting National 5 applications of mathematics, computer science, design, engineering science, English, mathematics, physics and Spanish.
His advice to other pupils was simple: “I did as many past papers a day as I could. I finished every one I could find.”
Ryan is considering studying engineering at university but plans to keep his options open as he moves into fifth year.
Meanwhile, Alicia Bell had two reasons to celebrate after receiving confirmation of her exam results and her place at Argyll College to study hairdressing.
She said: “I’ve always been interested in hair and things like that, so it just felt like the right choice.”
Alicia said her family had been delighted by the news, adding: “I told my brother and my sister and my dad’s already put it all over social media. They’re all happy.”
Argyll and Bute Council’s policy lead for education, Councillor Kieron Green, congratulated pupils across the area.
He said: “These results are particularly encouraging because they show that more young people than ever before are being given the opportunity to gain qualifications and fulfil their potential.
“Our ambition is not simply about improving pass rates. It is about making sure more young people are able to access qualifications that will help them succeed in life, learning and work.”
The council said a more detailed analysis of this year’s results will be presented to the Community Services Committee later this year.
