Pupils across the Western Isles are celebrating another year of strong exam results after qualifications were released today (4 August), with more young people achieving passes despite a rise in the number of exams sat.
This is the first year that results have been issued by the new national awarding body, Qualifications Scotland.
A total of 622 pupils from the Western Isles' four secondary schools were entered for 2,932 qualifications and awards in 2026 – a 10.1 per cent increase in presentations compared with last year.
Overall, pupils achieved an 81.1 per cent pass rate across all levels and subjects, matching last year's performance despite the larger number of entries. But more academic highlights have been released.
Every pupil entered for National 2, National 3 and National 4 awards achieved a pass meanwhile National 5 results also improved, with an overall pass rate of 83.1 per cent for S4 pupils.
And although Higher pass rates dipped slightly, this was said to have reflected a smaller S5 and S6 cohort while more successes were scored as entries for Advanced Higher increased significantly, with pass rates rising by 14.2 percentage points compared with 2025, resulting in well over 100 awards at that level.
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar said education officers will now work with schools over the coming months to analyse the results in greater detail, identifying areas of strength and where further improvement can be made ahead of next year's examinations.
The council also highlighted the continuing success of young people after leaving school. Latest national figures show that 96.2 per cent of Western Isles school leavers move into positive destinations, including further or higher education, employment or training. Participation among 16 to 19-year-olds also remains among the highest in Scotland at 96.4 per cent, well above the national average of 93 per cent.
Chairman of the Education, Skills and Children's Services Committee, Cllr Paul Finnegan, congratulated pupils on their achievements. He said: "Congratulations to all of our children and young people receiving their results today. It is wonderful to see so many pupils succeeding across such a wide range of qualifications and every one of them should be proud of what they have achieved.
"If today's results were not what you hoped for, please remember that support is available. Exam results are only one part of your learning journey and there are many different opportunities and pathways still open to you."
Chief Officer for Education and Children's Services Donald Macleod also praised the commitment shown by pupils, teachers, parents and carers. He said: "Today's results reflect the hard work and determination shown by our young people, supported by dedicated school staff, parents and carers throughout their education.
"While today's focus is on exam results, we should also recognise the many other achievements of young people across our schools, whether through apprenticeships, vocational learning, sport, music, culture or community service. The Western Isles has a generation of talented young people of whom we can all be proud."
Mr Macleod encouraged any pupils disappointed with their grades to seek advice from their school, the national results helpline or one of the Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) 'No Wrong Path' drop-in sessions taking place across the islands over the coming days.
See below to find out where to get help and advice.
- SDS National Helpline on 0808 100 8000. www.myworldofwork.co.uk
- Qualifications Scotland Advice Line on 0345 279 1000 www.qualifications.gov.scot
- DYW No Wrong Path Campaign www.dyw.scot/no-wrong-path
- UCAS Clearing: www.ucas.com
Local Drop-in Sessions
The Comhairle’s employability team and its partners are hosting a number of DYW ‘No Wrong Path’ drop-in sessions throughout the Western Isles. Exam result support will be available to any pupil, or parent, on a drop-in basis who wishes to discuss future opportunities and career paths upon receiving their exam results.
- Nicolson Institute: Stornoway Town Hall. 5 August: 9am to 12.30pm
- Sir E Scott: Tarbert Community Library. 5 August: 1.30pm to 3.30pm
- Sgoil Lionacleit: Western Isles Employability Hub (LEC): 4 to 7 August 10am to 5pm
- Castlebay School: Castlebay School Reception: 10 August 10am to 3pm.
