YOUNGSTERS across South Ayrshire celebrated after receiving top results in their exams last week.

Results flooded through high school pupils’ doors on Tuesday, August 8, with Higher achievements reaching record levels and National 5s remaining steady.

The results showed that, across South Ayrshire, more young people are achieving highers by the end of S5 than ever before – according to centrally held records – with particular improvements being made over the last five years.

In 2012, 11% of young people in the area achieved five or more highers during their fifth year – but that figure has almost doubled to 20% of young people achieving this significant increase.

The number of young people in S5 securing three or more highers has also improved from 26% in 2012 to 39% meaning 436 young people are now looking to build on their results in S6 or use them to go on to positive destinations when they leave school.

Five years ago, 46% of young people gained one or more higher but this has increased to 61% with 678 youngsters achieving at least one higher in South Ayrshire this year.

Councillor William Grant, lifelong learning portfolio holder for the council said: “I am very proud that standards across South Ayrshire remain high and we are making significant improvements which will have a lasting and positive impact on our young people who must be congratulated on their fantastic achievements.

“It takes a huge amount of hard work and effort from young people, parents and staff to achieve such positive results, some of which are record-breaking, and I have no doubt this will continue as we work to further raise standards and close the attainment gap.

“I am particularly pleased to see such significant improvements in our Higher results over the last five years or so and that’s definitely a positive trend we want to keep going.

“Everyone involved in supporting our young people through their exams should be very proud of what has been achieved today.”

Carrick Academy’s head teacher, Shona Steven, added: “I am delighted they have achieved such success.

“Overall, our young people have shown a real commitment and dedication to their studies which has resulted in positive examination results for each of them. I am very proud of their success.”