SCHOOLS across Renfrewshire have set the mark high for good grades this year.

Pupils at Johnstone High School were among the 142,000 across Scotland ending a nervous summer-long wait for their results, either online, text message or via the post.

And there was much celebration among clever students at Renfrewshire schools, who have recorded an improvement on exam results compared to last year.

At Johnstone High School a total of four pupils in fifth year achieved all As in their Highers while 11 managed to ace all their National 5s.

There was also a 9 percent increase in the number of pupils that got one or more Advanced Highers compared to last year.

Pupils at Johnstone High have also doubled the number of As in Higher English and the pass rate for National 5s in the subject is the best in record.

Scott Durning, 15, who also going into fifth year, said: "I took chemistry, English, maths, physics, modern studies, PE, French and physics.

"I opened the letter and I couldn't believe it - I was so shocked but relieved.

"My mum even started crying when she found out my results.

"For fifth year I'm taking chemistry, physics, maths, English and modern studies at Higher.

"I hope to go to university when I leave school but I'm still undecided to what I want to do yet."

Fellow straight A Higher pupil Iona Gray, 17 is going into sixth year and managed to achieve top marks in her Higher exams.

She said: "In fifth year I achieved all As for maths, English, German, chemistry and biology.

"I was so shocked opening my results - I didn't expect to get an A for English as I thought the exam was hard.

"I got my results via text - I couldn't sleep as I was waiting up for it.

"My mum started crying when she heard my results.

"I hope to go into dentistry when I leave school and will be applying for courses in October."

Acting headteacher Lynne Hollywood is tremendously proud of the youngsters and is confident that results will continue to improve for years to come.

As well as the pupils dedication to their studies, she also cites support from staff and extra Easter classes as important factors in achieving good grades.

Lynne said: "It has been an exceptionally good year for Johnstone High School.

"They have had really good learning and teaching in their classrooms and the staff have put in a lot of hard work.

"It has been a good partnership with the young people and their parents - there is a whole network of support.

"The English results were the best on record this year and music was another area we performed very strongly.

"We have re-done our school values this year, giving us a new direction and vigour.

"The staff are very much up for the challenge and we will go from strength to strength."