IT was truly the most wonderful time of the year for many pupils in East Renfrewshire as teens across the area celebrated outstanding exam results.

Thousands of pupils peeled the seal off of their envelopes yesterday and broke out in smiles from Barrhead to Giffnock, as the county recorded one of the best ever performances across the board.

Now the clever clogs can look forward to the future as many prepare to study at various colleges and universities.

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It was a particularly strong year for Barrhead High School as the proportion of S4 pupils achieving five or more awards at National 5 increased by nearly nine per cent to 60% – the second highest result ever.

And in Highers, 20% of the year group achieved five or more, which is up 7% and is the highest result to date.

Barrhead High pupil Taylor Philips was joined by fellow classmates, Callum Storrie, 16, and Euan Gilmour, 17, in the high achievers category with five As in their Higher exams.

Seventeen-year-old Taylor said: “I achieved five As in chemistry, maths, physics, computing science and English – it feels really good to get those grades. 

“I had applied to go to university before I sat my exams so next year I’m going to study electrical and electronic engineering at the University of Strathclyde.”

Callum told the Barrhead News: “I got my results for maths, biology, chemistry, English and geography and at the moment I’ve not really decided what I’m planning on doing.

Barrhead News:

“I’m going to stay on to sixth year and study Advanced Higher maths and chemistry and I’m going to crash Higher history.”

Euan achieved his five Highers in business management, computing science, history, English and drama.

He added: “I’m going to be coming back for sixth year and I’m thinking about pursuing a course in psychology at university. It is something that I have always wanted to do – I have always been fascinated with the brain and how it functions.”

Attainment continues to rise in East Renfrewshire, with strong Higher and Advanced Higher results and a record-breaking performance from S4, with 73% of those pupils achieving five or more National 5 passes, which is up 3%  from last year, making it the best ever performance.

St Luke’s High in Barrhead had its best ever performance for the proportion of pupils achieving five or more awards at National 4, while students at Williamwood High School in Clarkston had their best ever S5 results for five or more Highers.

Eastwood, St Ninian’s and Woodfarm High schools all achieved best ever S4 results and Mearns Castle High School maintained high attainment across key S5 measures.

Overall, 165 pupils across East Renfrewshire achieved five or more As at Higher and, at Advanced Higher in S6, performance in the area was also very strong, with 40% achieving one or more.

Barrhead High’s headteacher, Andy Sinclair, said: “All our pupils have worked incredibly hard to achieve these fantastic results, with the hard work, encouragement and support of their teachers and their parents. 

“We’re delighted for them. We know how much effort our pupils put in and it’s extremely rewarding that so many have achieved such excellent results and will now go on to the next stage of their learning journey with confidence that they can achieve all they want to.”

Mhairi Shaw, director of education at East Renfrewshire Council, was delighted by the results.

She said: “Our approach is clearly having an impact as, year after year, our pupils continue to produce outstanding results.

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“We continue to see improvements right across the board, with children from all backgrounds achieving their potential. Our approach recognises that all children progress at a different pace and need to be supported appropriately.

“A hugely successful vocational training programme is also in place across all our schools as we continue to provide more opportunities for pupils to access courses and qualifications through college, as well as apprenticeships. 

“This allows us to support all our pupils to develop the skills, knowledge and experiences they need and to make the best choices for them, preparing them effectively for their future career path. 

“These results are testament to the hard work of pupils, teachers and parents. 

“I congratulate you all.”