Exam results day 2026
Pupils from across Aberdeenshire have today (Tuesday) received their exam results.
Across the shire, 6,508 pupils took a total of 29,498 exams across a total of 69 different subjects.
Of those, 93 pupils achieved five straight A passes at Higher in S5; 82 pupils achieved more than three Advanced Higher Awards in S6, and 1,682 S4 pupils gained five qualifications at National Five level. In addition, 799 pupils achieved a full Foundation Apprenticeship qualification.
The overall pass rate for National Two, three and four remained at 100% while National Five went from 82% to 81%, Higher remained at 77% and Advanced Higher went from 72% to 73%.
The successful completion rate for Foundation Apprenticeships was the strongest year ever at both Level 6 and Level 4/5. 92% achieved the full FA at Level 6, 79% at Level 4/5 giving an overall FA pass rate of 87%.
Head of Education Susan Smith said: “I’d like to congratulate all of our young people receiving their results today. This year’s results show a positive picture across Aberdeenshire. More young people in S5 achieved three or more awards at SCQF Level 6 by S5 compared with last year, and we have also seen an increase in the number of S6 pupils gaining five or more qualifications at this level.
“Overall, the 2026 results demonstrate strong performance across Aberdeenshire, with increased attainment at Higher and Advanced Higher level and consistently high levels of achievement among our senior pupils.
“Everyone who received results today should be proud of what they have accomplished.
“Across Aberdeenshire, we also have a significant number of young people who will have secured successes and achievements which are not recognised as part of today’s exam results, including those who have undertaken Foundation Apprenticeships and courses or awards in partnership with other organisations including further education establishments. I wish every one of them success in the next stage of their education, training or career.”
Aberdeenshire Council’s Director of Education Laurence Findlay said: “Congratulations to all the young people receiving their results today.
“These results reflect a great deal of hard work and commitment, and we are delighted to see our pupils achieving positive outcomes. Everyone across our education service is proud of what our young people and school staff have accomplished.
“Whatever the results, young people do not need to make decisions about their future on their own. Advice and support is available to help explore options, consider different pathways and access careers guidance as they plan their next steps.”
Foundation Apprenticeships, for which Aberdeenshire is a leading provider and the largest deliverer in Scotland, continued to achieve outstanding results this year, significantly above the national average.
Lead Officer for Developing the Young Workforce Andrew Ritchie said: “Benefitting from the opportunities and career pathways the FA brings, almost 800 pupils achieved the full Foundation Apprenticeship qualification, with a record pass rate of 87% across Level 4,5 and 6 FAs.
“By combining academic and vocational learning with real workplace experience, Foundation Apprenticeships are helping young people develop essential skills, confidence and clear career pathways, while improving engagement, attendance and wellbeing.
“They also provide employers with opportunities to help shape and inspire the future workforce, strengthening the link between education and the needs of the local economy. Building on this success, Aberdeenshire Council aims to deliver more than 1,000 Foundation Apprenticeship opportunities next year.”
In terms of wider exam attainment across Aberdeenshire, an initial analysis of the results across Aberdeenshire shows:
• 43% of S4 pupils achieved five or more at SCQF level five (A-C)
• 34% of S5 pupils achieved three or more at SCQF level six (A-C)
• 28% of S6 pupils achieved five or more at SCQF level six (A-C)
Education and Children’s Services Committee chair Cllr David Keating said: “The achievements of our young people today really do reflect their hard work and commitment. I would also like to thank families, carers, teachers and support staff across Aberdeenshire who have encouraged and supported them every step of the way.
“Everyone should be proud of what they have accomplished, and whether your next step is further learning, training, an apprenticeship or employment, I wish you every success for the future. Because while exam results are important, they do not define you, your future or your potential.
“There are many different routes to achieving your ambitions, and opportunities are available whatever your results may be. And whatever results individuals have received today with the associated feelings I’d really want to emphasise the truth of the many possibilities for everyone’s future.
“Specifically, alongside traditional qualifications, we are continuing to see the benefits of Foundation Apprenticeships, which give young people valuable real-world workplace experience while they are still at school. When you meet the pupils who have taken FAs you can hear and see the benefits they have received.
“But more generally as I have attended our various Academies from Aboyne to Peterhead, I’ve been bowled over by the many innovative ways they, very much alongside their communities, have worked to vary the educational offer to pupils so that there can be a path to success for everyone.
“We are proud of all that our pupils have achieved and look forward to seeing the positive contribution they will make to their communities, workplaces and further studies in the years ahead.”
For any young person interested in undertaking a Foundation Apprenticeship, visit: https://www.apprenticeships.scot/become-an-apprentice/foundation-apprenticeships/
Skills Development Scotland is once again running its results helpline on 0808 100 8000. The organisation’s expert advisors can help pupils explore their options and provide career advice and guidance.
You can also visit the Developing the Young Workforce website at www.dyw.scot/no-wrong-path #NoWrongPath aims to show young people the options that are available to them.