Hard-working pupils from schools in Clydebank shared their academic success last week as West Dunbartonshire schools celebrated a strong set of exam results.

Local secondaries produced their best ever set of National 5 results since the qualification was introduced while, across the board, 99 per cent of pupils who sat exams this year achieved one or more qualification.

After the SQA results were delivered via post, email and text last Tuesday, the Post caught up with students from each of the local secondaries to hear about their achievements.

Lauren O’Neill was given the chance to teach maths while still a pupil at St Peter the Apostle High last year and is now looking forward to following in the footsteps of her teachers.

The 18-year-old, who has just finished sixth year, rounded off her school career by achieving an A and B at Higher level and a B at Advanced Higher level.

She told the Post: “I will be going to Glasgow University to study maths, which I am hoping to teach when I leave university.

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“The department head at school let me teach a few classes to fourth years and first years. It was challenging, especially the first-year class, but I loved every moment of it and it has made me want to teach even more.”

Schoolmate Ayesha Rafi, meanwhile, managed to secure 5As in her Highers – adding a clutch of top grades to her wealth of volunteering experience.

The 17-year-old, who is returning to school this year to study for her Advanced Highers, achieved the grades in biology, chemistry, English, maths and modern studies.

She said: “I got my results by text. I was over the moon as I wasn’t expecting it.

“I have been doing lots of volunteering. I used to do a radio show for kids and I’ve been teaching kids Islamic studies at the weekend. I am also a Police Scotland Youth Volunteer.”

Linda Booth, St Peter’s head teacher, said: “Overall, I’m just really proud of our young people and their huge successes.

“This is a reflection of our strong Catholic community and our staff, parents and partners who work together to ensure the best outcomes for all of our young people.”

One pupil going into sixth year at Clydebank High revealed what it is like to receive exam results as a twin.

Sophie Anderson, 17, achieved three As and two Bs in her Highers and wants to study veterinary medicine at university when she leaves school.

Her brother Leon, meanwhile, who received his results first by text, achieved five straight As. He now plans to apply for a place to study medicine at university.

Sophie said: “My results were being sent by email which I hadn’t realised, so I got a surprise when I logged on.

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“We were supporting each other and just really happy that we both got what we needed to go on and do what we want to do.”

Schoolmate Eilidh Bell, meanwhile, has secured a coveted place at Glasgow School of Art to study fine art photography after developing an interest in the subject at school.

She needed a B in any Advanced Higher to guarantee her a place, which she managed to exceed with a B in music and an A in art.

The 17-year-old said: “I’m really looking forward to it. They have smaller classes at Glasgow School of Art and I’ll be one of just a handful of Scottish students on my course.”

Jacqui Lynam, Clydebank’s head teacher, said: “I am absolutely delighted with the results and pleased for all the pupils, families and staff. A lot of hard work has taken place throughout the year.”

Shaun McColgan from Kilpatrick School, who has collected over 40 course units at National 1, 2 and 3 during his senior years, is also celebrating after securing five overall course awards at Nat 2 and Nat 3 levels.

The teen, who has been part of a team that represented the school at various Social Enterprise Award ceremonies, will now join the development course at West College Scotland.

He said: “I have really enjoyed my time at Kilpatrick School since I joined in fourth year and feel I have really matured a lot since joining.”

Louise McMahon, Kilpatrick School head teacher, said: “It was so lovely to see Shaun coming out with five overall course awards.

“We have increased the number of overall course awards, offering a wider range of choices, and some pupils have been achieving at Nat 4 this year. I am really proud of them.”