The National 5 outcomes show a near 2% rise in pass marks from last year, with a 90.2% pass rate, up from 88.3% in 2025. Further data shows a 77.7% A-C pass rate, up from 75.9% in 2025.
Our S5 Attainment has seen a positive improvement across all key S5 Level 6 measures compared with 2025. One plus at Level 6 increased from 46.6% in 2025 to 52.5% this year. Three plus at Level 6 increased from 28.0% to 32.7% and five plus at Level 6 increased from 11.5% to 14.3%.
S6 Attainment has declined across some measurable factors compared with last year with one, three and five plus passes at level 6 all decreasing around 6.5% on average. However, this is balanced by some encouraging statistics around our digital Advanced Higher pass rates, particularly in History, Modern Studies and Maths where our pass rates were markedly above the national average.
Cllr Tracey Little, Chair of the council’s Education, Skills and Community Wellbeing Committee said:
“I would like to say thanks to all school staff and central officers for the role have played in supporting our young people to achieve their qualifications this year. The commitment, professionalism and collaborative efforts across schools and services continue to make a positive difference for learners across Dumfries and Galloway.”
Cllr George Jamieson, Vice Chair of Education, Skills and Community Wellbeing Committee said:
“There is much to celebrate in this year's National 5 outcomes and in S5 figures too. We must also recognise the need to continue our collective focus on improving attainment and achievement in the senior phase. I would also like to flag up that there is help and advice out there for any learner who needs it around their exam results.”
Skills Development Scotland is running a dedicated support line for Exam Results advice and assistance. Learners, parents and carers should contact Skills Development Scotland on 0808 100 8000.
Schools and authority teams will now undertake further analysis of attainment patterns, learner pathways and cohort groupings across the region and identify areas that require strengthening ahead of the 2027 exam diet.