Secondary headteachers from across the Borders congratulate pupils on their results.
Headteacher quotes
John Clarke, Berwickshire High
“We are very proud of how our young people have performed in this year’s SQA examinations. There have been some outstanding performances amongst these results and we look forward to seeing how they impact on each individual student as they take their next steps. We are delighted to still be improving our overall school results and look forward to continuing the trend of sending our leavers away with yet more certification again in the following year. We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and commitment of our young people but also the significant input and dedication that has been shown by their parents, carers and teachers alike. Our local community should be very proud of each and every success and achievement shown by these results.”
Justin Sinclair, Earlston High
“I am exceptionally proud of the outstanding performance of the pupils of Earlston High School this year. Our overall performance in S4 and S5 has seen some record breaking figures. Our S6 also performed incredibly well with results that will set up our leavers with a solid foundation on which to start the next chapter in their lives.
“These wonderful results are due to the dedication of our pupils, staff and the support of our parents and carers. It is wonderful to see all the hard work rewarded in what I can only describe as an excellent set of results.”
Robin Chapman, Eyemouth High
“Another year of success as our young people have achieved across all of our different subject areas. It has been particularly pleasing to see our S5 and S6 students build on their previous attainment, achieving some of our very best results ever. This is testament to the hard work shown by students, parents and staff alike in achieving these results. It’s a privilege to see young people arrive and flourish as they work their way through the school, and we wish all of our leavers’ further success as they embark on the next chapter in their lives.”
Kevin Ryalls, Galashiels Academy
“At Galashiels Academy we are very proud of the achievements of our young people in the 2018 examinations. Our young people sat examinations across a wide range of subjects and levels and have worked very hard throughout the session. Key to our successes in exam results is the teamwork and supportive working relationships between staff, young people and their families. We set very high expectations of our young people and encourage them to be ambitious and to aim high. Our vision in the Academy is that we will all be the best we can be. Along with values and skills, qualifications are a central part of how we develop this vision.
“Our results this year have seen us build upon and consolidate the progress made in recent years. Our school leavers are leaving with very encouraging results. Our S6 has worked very hard to achieve very strong results which will provide them with a strong platform for their futures. We have also made significant progress in ensuring that all our learners achieve as many qualifications as possible. We are pleased to have maintained our strong rates of Higher passes by the end of S6. In S4 and S5 our young people have also achieved well and have clear pathways to continue to gain more qualifications and success at the Academy.
“On behalf of all the staff, I would like to thank all young people who sat exams last year for their efforts. We wish all our leavers the best of luck in the future and we look forward to working with our new S4, S5 and S6 to build on their achievements so far.”
Vicky Porteous, Hawick High
“Thanks to the hard work, commitment and dedication of both the staff and young people at Hawick High School, we continue to see improvements in attainment. “Highlights include improvements in the number of S5 students achieving three and five Highers at grades A to C pass. We have also maintained the improvements in A to D grades at National 5 level achieved last year.
“There were some tremendous individual performances in amongst the many good results and of course we are proud of all of the achievements of our young people sitting exams this year. Their results also complement the excellent positive destination figures for the school for this session.
“Well done to all and many thanks to parents, carers, staff and community supporters for enabling this to happen.”
Susan Oliver, Jedburgh Grammar
“We would like to congratulate all our young people on their achievements this session and are delighted to see their effort and commitment rewarded. We are very proud of all they have accomplished, in terms of SQA qualifications, wider achievement and also personal triumphs, small or large.
“Highlights of this year’s SQA performance include increased pass rates at Higher and Advanced Higher levels, with a significant increase in S5 pupils gaining three or more Highers and S6 pupils gaining one or more Advanced Highers. The percentage of S5 pupils gaining five or more Highers also continues to rise.
“As always, thanks must go to parents and carers, our staff, partner agencies and the wider community for their ongoing support.”
Jill Lothian, Kelso High
“We are very proud of our young people and their efforts in this year’s examinations. At Kelso High, our senior students continued to aim high and with support of family and staff they worked hard towards their individual targets and goals. Although attainment is important, it is part of a bigger jigsaw and at KHS we have a significant number of young people staying on to complete their three years of the Senior Phase. This allows our young people to build on their portfolio of SQA results while also developing skills for life and work. With the ingoing support of our business partnerships we are able to continue to build on the range of subjects and levels that we can offer our young people.
“Highlights of this year’s SQA performance include an increase in the number of our young people gaining five or more passes National 5s within fourth year and the increase in the number of passes at National 2 and 3.
“We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the commitment, dedication and hard work that has been shown over the past year by our young people, all staff, parents and carers alike.”
Paul Fagan, Peebles High
"Once again the young people of Peebles High School have set new standards of excellence with a fantastic set of exam results. All across our community there are many inspirational stories of achievement within our S4, S5 and S6 with families justifiably proud of their children’s results. We know that their success is testimony to the unfailing support of their families and the diligence and expertise of their teachers. This year I am particularly delighted to be able to say that more than half of all the pupils who graduated from PHS did so with at least 5 Highers. I wish all who leave us this year the very best for their bright futures and I look forward to welcoming back our young people to continue developing the successful and confident young people of Tweeddale."
Jamie Bryson, Selkirk High
"Academic attainment is a very significant part of the rounded, values-based education we offer at Selkirk High School and we are very proud of all our young people who received results this year. It’s inspiring to see so many students celebrating as they reap the rewards of their talent, commitment and hard-work. There are spectacular individual achievements at all levels with large numbers of students achieving excellent qualifications across a range of subjects. As teachers, parents and carers know, behind so many results there is a drama of self-belief, commitment and resilience and I congratulate individuals who have overcome particular barriers in their lives to succeed this year and I thank all those who have supported them. You’ve made us all very proud at Selkirk High School."