Monday November 9th 2026
Broughton High pupils
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Attainment among Edinburgh pupils has reached its highest recorded level in the senior phase, with S4 to S6 learners achieving the best results on record across almost all key measures.
A report highlighting achievements and progress during the 2025-26 academic session was discussed at the council’s Education, Children and Families Committee on November 3.
Pupils in S4 to S6 recorded their strongest attainment levels to date for the number achieving good passes in National 3 to 5, Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications.
The number of vocational qualification passes also increased significantly, rising from 914 in 2023 to 2,216 in 2026.
Improvements were also recorded in literacy and numeracy across primary schools compared with the previous year.
Despite the progress, the council acknowledged that more work is needed to close the poverty-related attainment gap.
Guidance and support will continue to be provided to schools, with reducing the gap remaining a priority.
Councillor James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convenor, said:
“This report shows the highest ever recorded attainment for young people in Edinburgh.
“The achievement shines a light on the hard work of our pupils, teachers and school staff. The National and Higher results are fantastic and to have over 2000 people achieve vocational passes is incredible work. These courses help young people make informed choices and also offer a route into work.
“While attainment overall has improved, the gap between the richest and poorest in Edinburgh is still too wide. I am committed to working closely with officers to understand why this is the case and how we can work to close the poverty related attainment gap.”
Tweet Share on Facebook
News
