Exam results 2026 - pass rates and attainment gaps improve

According to attainment statistics from Qualifications Scotland, the National 5 pass rate was 79.2%, up 0.6 percentage points; the Higher pass rate was 76.7%, up 0.8 percentage points; and the Advanced Higher rate was 77.6%, up 0.9 percentage points.

The National 5 rate is nearing the pre-pandemic high of 79.6% recorded in 2017, but rates at all levels remain below pre-pandemic levels. 

The attainment gap between most and least disadvantaged pupils narrowed slightly at all levels: from 16.4 percentage points to 15.6 at National 5; from 16.8 percentage points to 15.9 at Higher; and from 12.1 percentage points to 13.3 at Advanced Higher. 

Despite these gaps narrowing year-on-year, they all remain wider than in 2016.

In 2016, the Advanced Higher attainment gap was 8.6 percentage points. The 12.1 reported this year represents a growth of 39.1%.

The Higher gap has grown by 8.9% since 2016, and the National 5 by 1.3%.

UCAS data published alongside Qualifications Scotland results this morning shows that 17,920 Scottish students aged 18-and-under have been accepted, which UCAS reports is the highest number on record and an increase of 3% from 2025.

The data also shows that the proportion of Scottish 18-year-olds getting a place through UCAS has reached a record level, rising slightly from 16% in 2025 to 16.2% in 2026.

Built-in challenges still persist, however: data confirms that the most advantaged students in Scotland remain 2.7 times more likely to progress to university or college via UCAS.

Education Secretary Màiri McAllan MSP said: “This is a proud day for Scotland’s young people and our education system.

“My congratulations go to everyone receiving their results. I know how much hard work and resilience it takes to get here and you all deserve enormous credit.

“These are incredibly positive results across the board, with academic passes up at every level – National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher – as well as record numbers of vocational qualifications. This is testament to the breadth and strength of Scotland’s education system, the professionalism of our teachers and school staff and the hard work of our young people.

“It is particularly pleasing to see another narrowing in the attainment gap between the most and least deprived areas. This builds on similar progress in the gaps for literacy and numeracy levels, as well as for the number of young people entering initial positive destinations, which has narrowed by almost two thirds since 2009-10.

“This is welcome progress but we will not be complacent and will continue to do all we can to close the poverty related attainment gap even further, having empowered headteachers and invested £1.75 billion in the Scottish Attainment Challenge over the past decade, with up to £200 million being invested this year as well.

“Curriculum for Excellence aims to prepare young people for their future in life, learning and work, and today’s results show that it is doing that. The diversity of qualifications – whether they are gained through academic study, vocational and technical learning or work-based opportunities – is equipping young people with the knowledge, skills and attributes needed to flourish in the modern world. And the range is wider than ever, with qualifications in sports, creative industries, childcare, engineering and journalism among others.

“For those young people who may be disappointed with their results, I would urge them to remember that there is no wrong path. Teachers, as well as services such as the Skills Development Scotland helpline and Qualifications Scotland Learner Support Hub, are there to help plan your next steps.”

Donna Stewart, Scotland’s Chief Qualifications and Examinations Officer, said: “Scotland’s learners should be proud of what they have achieved today – we are certainly very proud of them.

“These results are a testament to their hard work and commitment. The rise in overall attainment at all three National Qualification levels and the increasing attainment in vocational and technical qualifications will rightly be welcomed in classrooms and staffrooms across Scotland.

“The diversity of qualifications being achieved today is further evidence of the appetite for skills-based, practical qualifications along with traditional subjects, which give learners a variety of options to develop skills and build work experience that employers are looking out for. It is encouraging to see the number of vocational and technical qualifications continuing to grow to over 120,000.

“The results for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses are evidence of the stable state of the awarding system with assessments working as intended, ensuring that learners were able to demonstrate what they know and can do.

“I also want to thank my fellow teachers and lecturers; not only the thousands of them who play a critical role as markers and so make Results Day possible but every educator for the work they do every day to support learners, alongside support workers, parents and carers across Scotland.

“Today is our first Results Day as Qualifications Scotland, and everyone takes our responsibility to deliver for Scotland’s learners very seriously and we feel privileged to have delivered these results to them today.”

Support available for pupils on Results Day

For pupils needing help, advice or reassurance about their results, Skills Development Scotland (SDS) is once again running a free helpline all day today and throughout the week. 

The SDS Results Helpline has been a staple of exam results days for more than 30 years and has been a critical resource for young people taking their next steps in work and education. 

The helpline is open from 8am to 8pm on Tuesday 4 August and Wednesday 5 August, and then from 9am to 5pm on Thursday 6 and Friday 7 August.

The helpline is available for free on 0808 100 8000.

A team of fully qualified advisers from SDS will be available to offer information and guidance on colleges and universities, UCAS Confirmation and Clearing, apprenticeships, jobs and other training, volunteering, or staying on at school.

East Lothian Council has been asked by the Courier to comment on how East Lothian pupils fared in the exams this year.