PUPILS in Argyll and Bute are being encouraged to sit as many exams as possible through their school years, education officials have said.
A councillor remarked that schools in the area were being “adventurous”, with more pupils being presented for more exams.
Officers responded that schools were now more engaged with parents and pupils on what their prospects were in getting grades.
The discussion took place at a meeting of the council’s community services committee on Thursday, August 27.
There were 8,808 presentations for exams in Argyll and Bute in 2026, the vast majority being pupils in S4-S6. A total of 1,964 pupils were presented.
The presentation rates for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher increased in 2026, the first two climbing for the second year in a row.
Councillor Maurice Corry (Conservative, Lomond North) said: “It is interesting that we are being adventurous with bigger diets of exams. Is that driven partly by the teachers who advise pupils when they think they should go forward, or is there a drive from the pupils?”
Wendy Brownlie, head of education, said: “There are a number of factors. Schools are being supported to review their curriculum offers to ensure children can be presented for each year.
“They are more engaged with parents and young people on the risk of presentation and the likelihood of a pass.
“For those pupils we know are leaving, the opportunity of another qualification and we encourage them to take the risk.”
Jennifer Crocket, also head of education, added: “It is also important to note that the culture within our schools is something we have worked on. You will recall the position of ‘Our Children, Their Future’ (education plan), and the five priority areas.
“We had work going on around the curriculum and attendance and it comes back to the culture of aspiration and ambition.”
