PUPILS at Marr College celebrated success with positive SQA results as the council anticipate appeals from all secondary schools.

After a challenging year for students with the coronavirus pandemic cancelling exams, some students at the Troon school were thrilled with their results.

Lia Matteoni in S5, achieved five As in Maths, English, Biology, Geography and Spanish. She said: “I would like to get a private pilot license, then a cadetship with an airline and travel all over the world.”

Jay Malcolm, in S5 also achieved five As.

Jay’s Higher results will open many doors, but at this stage, he is not sure about what he wants to do, he said: “I’m not 100 per cent sure, but I am interested in science and maths, especially physics.”

Ayr Advertiser: Jay Malcolm celebrated five As. Jay Malcolm celebrated five As.

Alex Young in S4, worked hard to get National 5s in PE, Metalwork, English, Application of Maths, Biology and Modern Studies. He said: “When I leave school, I’m thinking about doing an HND in Sports Therapy at Glasgow City College.”

Kirsty McConnell in S4, was more than pleased with her results, but she is not resting on her laurels, and said: “Right now, I am more focused on the next two years, and then I will look at career options.”

Robert Hervey in S6, is planning to go to university to study Accountancy, he said: “I was very pleased and relieved that all the work I had put in throughout the year, had paid off.”

Across South Ayrshire exam results at authority level were largely unchanged or slightly improved.

The percentage of youngsters at S5 achieving one Higher increased and those achieving three Highers, also increased.

Pupils achieving five or more Highers came down very slightly and the percentage of S6 pupils achieving one Advanced Higher increased.

At National 5 level, young people at S4 achieving five or more awards increased. Figures for attainment at National 3 and National 4 are still being confirmed and will be available later this year.

Overall, results are positive but at individual pupil level, there are results which will be appealed.

The council expect a high number of appeals to be lodged by all secondary schools on behalf of young people.

Councillor William Grant, Children and Young People Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Council, said: “This has been an extremely unsettling time for our schools, so I am delighted that so many of our young people have managed to secure good grades.

“Behind every set of exam results is a young person striving to do their best, and while exams are important, they are only part of what our schools do to help young people reach their potential, and prepare for life beyond the classroom.

George Docherty, Head Teacher at Marr College said: “We are very proud of the success and achievements of all our young people. The last few months have been very challenging for students, parents and staff, and I would like to say a personal thank you and well done to everyone.”

Support and guidance is available in school for young people, as they consider the next steps after receiving their exam results. Skills Development Scotland's dedicated Exam Results Helpline will be available on 0808 100 8000 from 9am to 5pm weekdays until Wednesday, August 12.