SOUTH Ayrshire pupils achieved a better performance in SQA exams this year as they received their results last week.

Although Higher pass rates fell nationally, the number of young people gaining five or more Highers increased by one per cent.

At National 5 level, pupils achieving five or more awards increased by three per cent.

Some pupils from Queen Margaret Academy in Ayr were keen to share their results and plans for the future when they met with councillors last week.

Isla McCann, 16, will be heading into S5 with a fantastic six As at National 5 level. Science is clearly Isla’s bag, with A passes in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths under her belt.

Delighted Isla said: “I’m not sure what I’d like to do at this stage, but I do hope to go to university.”

Caitlyn Baker, 16, achieved 5 As and there’s little surprise that, with top grades in Chemistry, Physics and Maths, she told us: “I plan to study medicine in the future”.

Josephine McGahon,16, is looking to get into the world of entertainment, and with her A in Music, the stage is set for her to get into theatre.

Ross Erentz,16, achieved an incredible 6 As in Maths, English, Chemistry, Physics, Geography and PE. Ross said of his future: “I’d like to get into engineering but I enjoy sports too, particularly swimming.”

Figures for attainment at National 3 and National 4, which don’t require an exam, will be available later this year.

A spokesperson for South Ayrshire Council congratulated the pupils’ results saying: “Exams, while important, are only part of what our schools do to help young people reach their potential and prepare for life beyond the classroom.”

Skills Development Scotland’s dedicated Exam Results Helpline will be available on 0808 100 8000 from 9am to 5pm weekdays until August 14.

Douglas Hutchison, Director of People and Depute Chief Executive at South Ayrshire Council stressed that how exam results are only one part of pupils’ future. He said: “Exam results are important but schools try to do a lot more than get our young people through exams.”