Glasgow pupils are pass masters

for the second year running.

As the tense wait ended today for thousands of city youngsters, education bosses hailed another top report card for Glasgow's schools.

Nearly 40,000 exam results were delivered this morning to Standard Grade, Higher and Advance Higher pupils.

And achievements have improved at all levels compared to last year's grades - which were also record results.

Councillor Gordon Matheson, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: "Glasgow's exam success is at an all time high with more young people than ever before gaining awards at all levels of Standard Grade, Higher and Advanced Higher.

"Our schools have been awarded a fantastic report card today with exam results up across all indicators.

"The results are particularly impressive at Higher level with a rise of 3% this year of young people passing three or more Highers by the end of S5.

"This is an outstanding achievement and proves we are raising the attainment and aspirations and improving the life chances of Glasgow's young people."

Two years ago Glasgow's education chiefs pledged to raise attainment at Standard Grade level.

This year the number of pupils earning five or more Standard Grades at credit level is up 1% or 3.3% over two years.

At foundation level 93.1% of pupils earned five more Standard Grades while this figure was 73.5% at general level and 27.5% at credit level.

Higher results are also a city success story with the number of youngsters earning three or more Highers in fifth year up 3% and five or more Highers up 1.2%.

Young people in S6 achieving three or more Highers has seen a jump from 25.2% in 2012 to 28.5% this year.

For five or more Highers the figure is up 1.7% and one or more Advanced Higher achievement is up from 7.9% last year to 9.8% in 2013 - a rise of 1.9%.

Mr Matheson added: "Pupils and teachers should be very proud of themselves today for their hard work, determination and commitment has paid off and I'm 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.

"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."

Glasgow's results success is reflected across Scotland. Minister for Youth Employment, Angela Constance, congratulated the 151,000 candidates who sat exams this year.

Ms Constance was today at Bellahouston Academy meeting young people who had received their results.

Pass rates for all certificates - Access levels, Standard Grades, Inter­mediates, Highers and Advanced Highers were up across the board.

The minister said: "The wait for tens of thousands of Scotland's pupils and their families is finally over, and I am delighted so many have come out with strong grades, leaving them well positioned for whatever they choose to do next.

"The exam pass rates are building on a solid record of achievement, meaning that today is a time for celebration."

This is the last year pupils will receive Standard Grades results with next year's cohort sitting National 4 and 5 courses.

The Educational Institute of Scotland - the country's largest teaching union - also congratulated pupils and teachers for their hard work.

General Secretary Larry Flanagan said: "Overall, today's results show another year of great success for Scotland's pupils and for our education system, and we should all celebrate that success.

"Scotland's students, parents, teachers and lecturers, should be proud of the good results achieved this year."

For pupils who did not do as well as they had hoped, the Skills Development Scotland exam results helpline on 0808 100 8000 offers dedicated advice on potential next steps.

catriona.stewart@eveningtimes.co.uk