14 August 2026
Scotland’s 2026 exam results show rising attainment
More than 148,000 learners across Scotland received their qualification results on 4 August, marking the first Results Day delivered by Qualifications Scotland. The organisation reported increases in overall A to C attainment across National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications, alongside a narrowing of the poverty related attainment gap at all three levels. Qualifications Scotland
At National 5, the A to C attainment rate increased to 79.2%, compared with 78.4% in 2025. At Higher, the rate rose to 76.7%, up from 75.9%, while Advanced Higher attainment increased to 77.6%, compared with 76.7% last year. The figures show continued improvement across all three levels. Qualifications Scotland
The results also highlight the growing number of vocational and technical qualifications being achieved across Scotland. A total of 120,485 awards were recorded across National Progression Awards, National Certificates and Skills for Work courses in 2026, an increase of 9.1% on the previous year. Qualifications Scotland said learners are continuing to achieve both National Qualifications and vocational and technical qualifications. Qualifications Scotland
This year’s results mark an important milestone for Qualifications Scotland, which is delivering National Qualifications and Awards for the first time following its establishment as Scotland’s new awarding body. More than 67,000 learners had already received their results digitally by text or email on Results Day, while all learners were also sent their results and qualification certificates by post. Qualifications Scotland
Read more about Scotland’s exam results.
At National 5, the A to C attainment rate increased to 79.2%, compared with 78.4% in 2025. At Higher, the rate rose to 76.7%, up from 75.9%, while Advanced Higher attainment increased to 77.6%, compared with 76.7% last year. The figures show continued improvement across all three levels. Qualifications Scotland
The results also highlight the growing number of vocational and technical qualifications being achieved across Scotland. A total of 120,485 awards were recorded across National Progression Awards, National Certificates and Skills for Work courses in 2026, an increase of 9.1% on the previous year. Qualifications Scotland said learners are continuing to achieve both National Qualifications and vocational and technical qualifications. Qualifications Scotland
This year’s results mark an important milestone for Qualifications Scotland, which is delivering National Qualifications and Awards for the first time following its establishment as Scotland’s new awarding body. More than 67,000 learners had already received their results digitally by text or email on Results Day, while all learners were also sent their results and qualification certificates by post. Qualifications Scotland
Read more about Scotland’s exam results.
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17 August 2026