Attainment gap narrows for East Lothian learners

Congratulations to all of our young people receiving their results today: you should be proud of your achievements.

The news follows analysis of Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) Attainment Statistics for 2024/25 published today (5 August). 

Young people in the county’s schools gained more qualifications in 24/25 than the previous year (2757 candidates achieved 14,365 awards compared with 2679 candidates/ 13,964 in 23/24). 

Attainment gap 

At National 5 level the attainment gap narrowed for students living in the most disadvantaged and least disadvantaged areas by 8pp from 19pp in the previous year to 11pp this year. Higher level saw the gap narrow to 13pp (from 21pp) while Advanced Higher recorded the largest difference from 21pp in 23/24 to 7pp this year. 

National 2, 3 and 4 

The total number of awards at National 2, 3 and 4 rose from 3226 in 23/24 to 3504 this year. The qualifications are made up of units which are internally assessed as pass or fail at school or college level then externally quality-assessed by SQA. More young people achieved these levels than in the previous year (1166, up from 1120). 

National 5 

The pass rate for National 5 was 80% - exceeding the national average (78.4%). There was an increase in the number of young people achieving ‘5 or more’ awards (43% in 2025 compared with 42% the previous year) while Maths attainment rose by 5% and English remained consistent with 24/25 (72% and 89% respectively). Both exceeded the national average (+2.5% maths and +3.7% English). 

Higher 

Overall, there was an increase in the number of pupils achieving A-C grades at Higher level (77.2%; up 3% from 2024) and 1.3% above the national average. The pass rate for Higher Maths increased to 80% (from 74%), 5.8% above the national average, while Higher English was in line (74.3%) with 2024 and 1% above the national average. More young people achieved an A at English and Maths than across Scotland (3.6% above in English and 2.1% above in Maths). 

Advanced Higher 

Fewer young people sat Advanced Highers in 24/25 (46.7% of the group compared to 56.1% last year) and the pass rate was slightly lower: 69% compared with 70% in 23/24. Maths attainment at Advanced Higher level was 61% compared with a national average of 72% while English was 68% compared to 76% nationally.  

“Congratulations” 

Cabinet member for Education and Children’s and Family Services Councillor Fiona Dugdale said: “Congratulations to all of our young people receiving their results today. It’s the culmination of a lot of hard work throughout the year and you should be proud of your achievements. Thank you also to your parents and carers, our school teams and education service for the support they have shown. 

“I am absolutely delighted to see significant progress in closing the attainment gap between learners in our most and least deprived areas and the improvements in performance at both National 5 and Higher. Academic success should not be determined by postcode and tackling this inequality is vitally important to give all of our young people the best start in life.  

“As we mark the achievements of those who have secured the results they hoped for, I am also mindful that there will be some young people who may not have the outcome they expected.  

“Firstly, please remember that results day is just one day in your life. It does not define you and it does not need to impact your ability to reach your long-term goals. If you’re still in school, speak to your guidance team who will be able to give you the support and reassurance you need whether that is re-coursing or looking at your wider options. If you’ve just completed S6, Skills Development Scotland’s helpline is there to help with trained advisers who can talk you through next steps. Please take all of the help available to you.” 

Skills Development Scotland’s results helpline is available on 0808 100 8000 or visit www.myworldofwork.co.uk