For S4-S6 pupils across North Ayrshire, today was SQA exam result day - and early signs show they have been worth the wait.

Almost 3,400 senior school pupils received their results on Tuesday morning, after sitting traditional SQA exams for the very first time.

Over the last two years, due to Covid restrictions, pupils have been awarded grades based on alternative methods of assessment.

But North Ayrshire Council says the lack of exam experience hasn't shown in the results, with marked improvement across several of the assessed areas.

Senior pupils across North Ayrshire as a whole achieved 15,011 qualifications - over 100 more than last years figure.

While this years S4 pupils also improved on the number of National 5 qualifications which were achieved in 2021.

Almost 50 per cent of learners at this level gained at least four National 5 qualifications, while 22 per cent achieved seven (the maximum one pupil can sit in a school year). This is, in fact, an improvemenmt on pre-pandemic levels.

While 2022's Higher results should 3,764 awards were achieved, which remains on-par with the areas six-year average across this level.

While at the highest level attainable in our secondary schools, Advanced Higher, 552 awards were gained, surpassing previous achievements at this level.

Councillor Shaun Macaulay, cabinet member for education and young people, said: “The pandemic has made it another challenging year for our young people and their families.

"The Omicron variant caused disruption across the country and yet I have been struck by how determined our young people and school staff have been to ensure that this year’s results were as strong as possible.

“This was a unique year, because everyone from S4-S6 who sat SQA exams this summer was doing so for the first time.

"I know many of our pupils were anxious, but I also know about the incredible support they received from their families and the staff in our schools.

“Today I would like to congratulate all our pupils receiving their results – I am immensely proud of their achievements. And I would also like to thank our teachers and support staff for all they have continued to do to help our young people achieve success."

However, North Ayrshire Council's deputy leader also wanted to let those who are disheartened with their results know that there is support available.

He added: “Of course, I recognise that a number of pupils will be disappointed with their results today, but we want to make sure that every pupil in North Ayrshire is supported with their next steps.

“Teachers and school leadership teams will be available to discuss options over the coming days and at the start of term.

"We are promoting the message that there is ‘no wrong path’ and that there are many routes to future success beyond school, regardless of what appeared on certificates today.

“If you need to talk to someone about your results there are numerous groups and people out there who can listen and provide excellent advice and support.

“The Skills Development Scotland national exam result helpline is free to contact and staff at your school are there to help too.”

The SDS Results Helpline number is 0808 100 8000. Advisers will have access to information on course vacancies at colleges and universities, Confirmation and Clearing, advice about Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprenticeships and jobs, volunteering, training or staying on at school.

The dedicated SDS Exam Results Helpline will be open:

• Tuesday, August 9 and Wednesday, August 10 – 8am to 8pm

• Thursday, August 11 and Friday, August 12 – 9am to 5pm

• Monday, August 15 to Wednesday, August 17 – 9am to 5pm