Edinburgh celebrates exam day success

The 18-year-old’s older brother is already studying at the esteemed English institution, so the move will not be quite as scary as it could be.

Lewis worked hard for his top tier results in French, history and maths, which are in addition to his five As at Higher he scooped last year. He said: “I put in a lot of work, but not unbearable amounts.

“It takes a lot of work to get these results and a lot of hours spent.

“It was exhausting, but it was only a month and it pays off for the rest of your life.”

Lewis’ little sister Heather, a fifth-year pupil at the school, got five As at Higher this year and joins her big brother in celebrating.

“My parents are really proud of us,” Lewis said.

“They know that we didn’t get these results by chance. If you do the work, it will pay off.”

Lewis’ grandmother was beaming with pride at her grandchildren’s successes. She said: “I’m so pleased. They have both done so well.”

Sophie Gardiner, who studies at Firrhill Secondary, was meanwhile left a little dazed after finding out she had earned As in Higher Maths and English, an A/B in Biology and a C in Chemistry.

She said: “I didn’t think maths was going to go as well as it did. I’m very proud of myself and I’m really happy about chemistry as I didn’t think I would pass that exam.”

After getting a grade D in her maths prelim, Sophie was convinced she wouldn’t hit the top marks. But after her mum brought in a “fantastic” tutor to work with the 16-year-old, she surpassed her expectations.

“With any exam there is stress and worry, but  if you know what you want to do then the work is worth it,” she said.