Early indications show that there has been an increase in the number of young people getting one higher, or three or more highers. The number getting five highers remained the same as last year.

In 2015, the percentage of young people in fifth year gaining one or more awards at higher grade has gone up from 53 per cent to 58 per cent, with a 1 per cent increase in those getting three or more highers.

There has also been an increase of around 5 per cent in the percentage of young people at S4 obtaining five or more awards at National 5 level with 44 per cent now achieving that level of attainment. Councillor Jacqueline Henry, convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Education and Children Policy Board, said: “I would like to congratulate all of our young people who sat exams this year.

“I would also like to thank their parents and the staff in our schools and services who continue encourage and support them.

“The past few years have seen significant changes to the way our young people learn and achieve qualifications. “It is important to recognise that these figures do not reflect the full achievements of our young people, some of whom gain other qualifications and awards such as City and Guilds, and Duke of Edinburgh awards.” Education chiefs pointed out that the figures are pre-appeal. Over the next few months a more accurate picture will be available when post-appeal data, and detailed National 3 and 4 attainment figures are available.