THE nervous wait was over for around 4,000 pupils across Renfrewshire today as they found out their grades for national qualifications. 

This year’s results day was different from usual – having been decided under an alternative certification model after the final exams were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

That saw the Scottish Qualifications Authority issue pupils with grades based on estimations provided by the schools and then moderated by the SQA.

And a selection of pupils from Linwood High were in school to give their reaction as their results arrived.

Brooke Adam, 16, of S5, said: “I got six As and a B and I’m very happy with it. Next year I am doing five Highers and when I leave school I’d like to be either a paediatric doctor or a child’s nurse.

“It was a bit nerve-wracking because we didn’t sit exams so I didn’t have an idea of how I’d done, so that was a bit weird.”

Across Renfrewshire, attainment has again increased in S4 at both national 4 and national 5 in almost all measurements, with two-thirds now achieving three or more national 5 awards.

S5 attainment remains very strong. with an increasing number of young people achieving National 5 and Higher awards. Over a third of pupils achieved three or more awards at Higher.

Attainment of S6 pupils also remained high, with young people emulating the strong performances of the last few years.

Councillor Jim Paterson, convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Education and Children’s Services Policy Board, said: “I want to say well done to all our senior pupils. It’s been an incredibly tough year with exams being cancelled for the first time since the system started in Scotland.

“I hope you got the results you wanted and they reflected the hard work and effort you put in across the year and it’s important that we take this opportunity to celebrate the achievements of all young people. 

“There are many paths you can take to get into your chosen career. If your results weren’t what you wanted, please speak to our schools for advice. Whether you are returning to school or moving onto college, university, an apprenticeship or work, I wish you the very best for the future.”

Make sure you get this week's edition of The Gazette for full coverage of Renfrewshire's exams success.