School pupils across Edinburgh and Lothians celebrate as exams passes for 2026 continues upward trend
Thousands of schools pupils across the country are receiving their exam results today (August 4)
School pupils across Edinburgh and the Lothians are celebrating after the number of those achieving a passing grade continued on an upward trend.
Thousands of youngsters across the region woke up on Tuesday morning (August 4) to find out their fate after months of revision and studying stress.
Pupils in Edinburgh are celebrating after improvements in almost all key measures year-on-year.
The number of fifth year students achieving three or more Higher qualifications at grade C or above saw an increase, while other improvements were seen compared to pre-pandemic year 2019, as well as 2024 and 2025.
A total of 59,459 awards were handed out to 11,226 candidates in the authority. National 5 passes graded between A and C increased by 0.9% year-on-year to 80.9%.
In a similar vein, Higher passes at A to C grade increased by 1.9% to 78.5%.
Education, Children and Families Convener, Councillor James Dalgleish said: “It has been amazing to see attainment increase in almost all key measures for Edinburgh students.
“There is a huge range of qualifications and awards achieved by our learners in 165 subjects, representing the hard work, effort and commitment of learners, teachers and school staff.
“Each and every one of our young people’s journeys and achievements are unique to them and today’s results mark the next step in their journey, whether that’s to college, university, an apprenticeship or into the world of work.”
One of the students celebrating today's result is 17-year-old Moustafa Watti.
The Broughton High School pupil achieved three Advanced Higher As in maths, biology and chemistry and will be heading to the University of St Andrews to study medicine next month.
He said: “I signed up for the results to be sent by text and knew they would be sent from 8am. I received my text results at 8.06am – that felt like a long six minutes. I was delighted to get three As, I didn’t think I would even get one A so I was shocked.
“I only needed two Bs to get into university so I am over the moon with my results and my parents are delighted.”
Music student, 15-year-old Bibi Coane, said she was “really happy” with her results after achieving six National 5 awards at an A grade and an A at Higher Music after studying the subject early.
Sport stars Lennon Watts, 16, and Dan McCandless, 16, who will be playing with Celtic under-19 and Hearts under-17 squads respectively next year, are heading into fifth year with six National 5 qualifications each under their belt.
Passing grades in East Lothian are also at their highest level since 2022.
A total of 14,999 awards were achieved by 2782 candidates, up from 14,365 awards to 2757 candidates.
Cabinet member for Education and Children’s and Family Services, Councillor Fiona Dugdale, said: “It is very encouraging to see that the number of East Lothian pupils achieving five or more National 5 qualifications is at its highest level since 2022, with strong performance across a range of qualification levels.
“For those who have achieved the results they were hoping for today, congratulations and best wishes for the next stage of your journey.”
At National 5 level, the A to C grade pass rate in Midlothian increased from 73.5% to 75.8% year-on-year.
At Higher, the pass rate rose from 72.6% to 74.8%, while Advanced Higher results saw the largest improvement, increasing from 68.3% to 73.5%.
Midlothian Council's Education Spokesperson, Councillor Ellen Scott, said that “results reflect the hard work, dedication and resilience shown by pupils throughout the year”.
She added: “These are our strongest results in five years and demonstrate the ongoing commitment across our schools to raising attainment and supporting learners to succeed."
Meanwhile in West Lothian, National 5 passing grades from A to C increased from 74.7% in 2025 to 78.3%, while Highers passes at the same grade bracket increased from 72.7% to 73.3%.
Executive councillor for education, Andrew McGuire said: “Congratulations to all young people in West Lothian who have received their exam results today. The results from across the county reflect the commitment and hard work of pupils and are also a tribute to the immense support and professionalism of teachers and support staff across our schools.
“Results day can also bring uncertainty. If you have any questions or any doubts after receiving your results then please contact your school and staff will be able to guide you.”
West Lothian Council Head of Secondary Education Siobhan McGarty said “Once our young people have their results, they may need some advice and support about their next steps with their curriculum and career pathways.
“Support is available to them through their schools and organisations such as Skills Development Scotland/ Careers Advisors who are all available to help and based in school. Congratulations to all our young people and I wish them well as they move forward into their next year.”
Education Secretary Mairi McAllan described results across the country as “incredibly positive”.
It comes as a record number of 18-year-old Scottish students were offered a university place. This included a 7% increase in the number of acceptances those from the most deprived areas in the country, the highest so far on record.
Ms McAllan said: “Access to university should always be based on the ability to learn and not the ability to pay. The Scottish Government’s commitment to free tuition means that eligible learners from all backgrounds have the option of attending university.”