THE number of Glasgow pupils leaving school with at least one Higher has almost doubled in the last decade.

Those gaining three or more Highers is also on the rise - up to 26.2 per cent this year from just 15 per cent in 2008.

Overall, the city is celebrating the best exams results yet.

Councillor Chris Cunningham, City Convener for Education, Skills & Early Years said: “Glasgow’s senior pupils and school staff are celebrating our city’s ‘best ever’ exams results as the wait was finally over for them today.

“Once again more of our young people than ever before have achieved awards in their SQA exams – raising the attainment and achievement bar again.

“I am so proud of all their hard work and endeavours and what amazing news for our young people, their schools and the city.

“Glasgow is making an impressive impact on closing the attainment gap and improving the outcomes and life chances of every one of our children."

Glasgow had 10,849 pupils in S4 to S6 in the last academic year with the total number of presentations in the 2018 exam diet at National 4, National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher across S4 to S6 at 47,297.

The results of S5 pupils have increased with the number of young people with one higher or more up 1.1 per cent from last year to 52.2 per cent.

In 2008 only 28 per cent achieved one or more higher.

Young people who achieved five or more Highers by the end of S5 has remained at 10.7 per cent – more than double the number of pupils achieving this 10 years ago.

Attainment by the end of S6 has also continued to increase – this year 23.5 per cent of Glasgow school leavers have gained five or more Highers - up nearly two per cent on last year.

This year 135,000 pupils across Scotland received exam results and, nationally, the pass rate has dropped at National 5.

Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) data published yesterday showed the National 5 pass rate for A-C grades falling 77.4 per cent from 79.5 per cent.

The A to C pass rate at Higher has dipped slightly to 76.8 per cent, down from 77.0 per cent in 2017 and 77.2 per cent in 2016.

Mr Cunningham added: “Glasgow’s exam success is at an all-time high and our schools have been awarded a fantastic report card today.

“This is an outstanding achievement and proves our schools and school staff are committed in raising the attainment, achievement and aspirations of Glasgow’s young people.

“Pupils and teachers should be very proud of themselves today for their hard work, determination and commitment has paid off and we are all delighted.

“Glasgow’s parents can be assured that the education of their children is in safe hands and I promise that we will build on this success and continue to raise expectations and attainment."

School leaver destinations have also continued to improve in Glasgow.

In 2016/17, the latest data, 91.9 per cent went to a positive destination – an all-time high for city schools.

More than a third of Glasgow's young people are now going to higher education – 36 per cent last year – 11 years ago this figure was just 18 per cent.

Since 2006, exclusions across the city have dropped by more than 81 per cent.

In East Renfrewshire, pupils achieved the best ever results for five or more Highers have been recorded.

Some 45 per cent of S5 pupils achieved five or more Highers, with 41 per cent of S6 youngsters achieving one or more Advanced Highers.

In North Lanarkshire 32.1 per cent are achieving three or more Highers in S5 – almost double the rate recorded ten years ago

Figures for the number of pupils achieving five or more Highers in S5 have also risen significantly to 11.9 per cent compared to 6.6 per cent in 2008.

The percentage achieving Advanced Higher qualifications has also doubled over the past decade, from 8.3 per cent to 16.3 per cent.

Skills Development Scotland's (SDS) exam results helpline will be available until August 15 and is open to all young people and their families seeking careers advice.

It will be open from 8am until 8pm on August 7 and 8 and from 9am until 5pm from August 9 until 15. The number to call is 0808 100 8000.

Mr Cunningham said: “I realise that not everyone will have got the grades they were expecting today.

“I would urge these young people and their families not to panic. They should contact their school where teachers are on hand to offer support and discuss alternative options.”