Follow Up Leavers Destinations and SQA Results 2025

The number of young people achieving passes at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher level has increased in Dundee. 

The Children, Families and Communities Committee will hear that: 

• The pass rate at grades A–C for National 5s in Dundee has increased from 74.9% in 2024 to 77.0% in 2025, which is higher than the pre-pandemic 2019 pass rate of 74.9% 

• The pass rate at grades A-C for Highers increased from 70.3% in 2024 to 70.6% in 2025 

• The pass rate at grades A-C for Advanced Highers increased from 70.0% in 2024 to 73.4% in 2025 

Nationally, Scotland has also seen increases in A-C pass rates at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher. 

Convener of Children Families and Communities Stewart Hunter said: "It's encouraging to see our young people achieving higher pass rates across National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher levels.  

"These results reflect the hard work and determination of young people, supported by their teachers, parents and carers. 

"Officers are currently undertaking a detailed analysis of the pre-appeals SQA data. This will help us identify subject-level trends so we can build on areas of strength and target support where it’s most needed. 

"While there is still progress to be made, this report clearly shows the commitment, dedication and enthusiasm that exists across our schools.  

"I'm confident that we have the drive and focus to continue improving outcomes for all our young people."

A full report on the attainment and achievement of young people in the Senior Phase will be presented to the committee later this year following the publication of the Insight data. 

 The Committee will also look at follow-up school leavers destinations. 

It examines summary statistics for follow-up leaver Destinations by looking at young people who left school in session 2023/24 and their outcomes approximately nine months after the end of the school year. 

The report highlighted that 92.1% of 2023/24 school leavers were in positive destinations in April 2025. 

The vast majority of leavers in follow-up positive destinations are in education, work, or training, with only 1% or fewer in voluntary work or personal skills development. 

Councillor Stewart Hunter continued: “Our team are working incredibly hard to help our young people move into positive destinations when they leave school, whether that be education, work, or training. 

"We also have plans in place to improve participation, reduce dropouts, and strengthen partner relations to be support our young people as they leave school.  

"We also recognise that some of our young people will need extra support as they make this transition. We are developing and testing a school–college–work experience model aiming at reducing early college withdrawals and supporting sustained engagement."

The Children, Families and Communities Committee will meet on Monday 1^st September.