SENIOR management at Oban High School are targeting “borderline” pupils to help drive up Higher exam pass rates, a report has said.
The school’s A-C pass rates during the 2024/25 exam diet were higher than the local and national figures at National 5 and Advanced Higher level.
While the Higher rate remains in touch with the local and national numbers, staff are keen to ensure it beats them too, as well as continuing to develop the school’s curriculum.
The school’s results for the 2025/26 exam diet will be known on Tuesday, August 4. The report will go before Argyll and Bute Council’s Oban Lorn and the Isles area committee at its meeting on Wednesday, June 10.
The document said: “We continue to follow a positive presentation policy deliberately ensuring that as many pupils as possible are presented for as many courses/levels as possible.
“This ensures the number of pupils passing can rise but does have the effect of reducing the percentage pass rate from those we have taken a chance on. We will not raise the percentage pass rate merely by withdrawing borderline pupils.
“Presentation rates for S4 National 5 increased last session. S5 and S6 SCQF Level 6 presentation rates were lower than last session and A to C pass rates also fell. This is reflective of this cohort of pupils who have not performed as well as previous cohorts.
“[At National 5] Overall A-C pass rates have remained consistent and strong. Pass rates for S4 pupils are down by two per cent but presentation rates increased significantly meaning that more pupils passed National 5 courses.
“The performance of S5 pupils sitting National 5 has improved by 16 per cent and this is due to better coursing and departmental focus on improving outcomes for these pupils.
“[At Higher] Pass rates at A to C are down by per cent and presentation rates also lowered. This is reflective of this cohort of pupils who have not performed as well as previous cohorts. The number of no awards fell by per cent, again reflective of the lower presentation levels.
“[At Advanced Higher Overall passes at A to C have increased by 13 per cent on the 2024 performance. A to D passes are also at 94.5 per cent, an increase of five per cent from last session.”
The report added: “[There is a] Focus on improving Higher presentation and pass rates by targeting borderline pupils for assertive mentoring approaches.
“We are continuing to develop our curriculum offer with creative industries being further embedded across the school.”
