Thousands of Renfrewshire pupils receive exam results as they plan next steps

Young people across Renfrewshire are taking the next step towards their future after receiving their Qualifications Scotland results.

Around 4,000 pupils across Renfrewshire, including those at Gryffe High School, received their results on Tuesday 4th August. The results cover exams, coursework and vocational qualifications and were issued by text, email and post.

Across Scotland, more than 148,000 learners received results for Nationals, Highers, Advanced Highers, Skills for Work Awards and a range of other qualifications.

The results will help young people decide their next steps, whether that is staying at school, going to college or university, starting an apprenticeship, entering training or moving into employment.

Many pupils said they were looking forward to starting apprenticeships and gaining practical experience.

Guy Ritchie said: “I’m hoping to get an apprenticeship with a finance company. With an apprenticeship, I don’t need to go to uni, so I don’t need to spend more time in education. I can get paid for the apprenticeship and keep living at home instead of being away from family. It’s the best option for me.”

Lucy Runciman said: “I’ve always dreamed of being a pilot from a young age. I want to experience the world and see different places. I’m going to do the Speedbird Academy. They train you and, at the end of it, you get your pilot’s licence.”

Others are preparing to study at university.

Jessica Golding said: “I’m most excited about going abroad during my international business degree. Seeing different cultures and learning about business in different places. My dad has his own business and, one day, I’d like to have my own, possibly in the pharmaceutical field.”

Kirk Gray said: “I love the language. I’m doing business and French and, in that course, it’s mandatory to have a year’s experience of living in a French-speaking country. That will be the highlight for me.”

Emily Martin said: “I don’t know what kind of field of accounting I want to work in, but I do want to live in London. Ever since I was little, I’ve always been interested in the big business buildings.”

Several pupils spoke about careers focused on helping others.

Photo: Gryffe High School headteacher Kevin Christie with senior pupils on Results Day
Photo credit: Jamie Simpson / Renfrewshire Council

Amélie Robert-Rocher said: “I want to become an occupational therapist because I love the idea of helping people doing what they love and getting back into it. I want to work with children, maybe in a hospital.”

Jake Smith said: “I’m interested in helping people, maybe through family law but there are lots of different avenues I can go down. Law is a good degree because it keeps my options open.”

William Singer said: “I’m doing biomedical engineering at university, so I can help fix medical problems. My mum and dad have been big on helping others and give others a helping hand, I think it’s come from that. In the future, I may become a paramedic, or something in the military that’s medical.”

Luke Halpin said: “I like the thought of being able to help people, that why I want to be a forensic scientist.”

Other pupils hope to turn personal interests into careers.

Rory Christie said: “I’m hoping to get a career in sound production. I want to help create music and there are a lot of opportunities in this field, from live shows to music studios.”

Gagandeep Sandhu said: “I had a lot of work done on my own teeth when I was younger, so I became intrigued by this career. I think its work I will enjoy and eventually, I’d like to have my own practice.”

Sandy Bonnar said: “I hope to get a good job in investment banking or accountancy and travel the world.”

Councillor Emma Rodden, Renfrewshire Council’s Education Convener, said: “Every young person should be proud of their results. They have worked hard and been dedicated throughout the last year. For both academic and vocational pathways, today is an important moment to celebrate.

“While many will be delighted in their results, for other young people there may be disappointment. That doesn’t mean they can’t do what they wanted. There are many pathways into their future careers. I would encourage anyone who didn’t get the results they wanted to speak to their school for guidance and support.

“Whatever pathways our young people choose, it will be right for them. I wish them every success in the next stage of their journey.”

Janie O’Neill, Director of Renfrewshire Council’s Children’s Services, said: “Results Day is an important milestone for our young people as they take the next step towards their future ambitions. They have worked hard over the last year, supported by teaching staff and families.

“Our young people are talented, determined and aspirational. We want each of them to take the pathway that’s right for them into their chosen careers. I’m very proud of the work undertaken here in Renfrewshire to support young people to enter positive destinations.”

Qualifications Scotland said learners who need advice or want to appeal their results can access its free appeals service, which opened at 9am on Tuesday 4th August. A Learner Support Hub is also available, while Skills Development Scotland is offering careers advice through its exam results helpline.

Photo: Senior pupils at lockers at Gryffe High School
Photo credit: Jamie Simpson / Renfrewshire Council

Photo: Senior pupils with coursework at Gryffe High School.
Photo credit: Jamie Simpson / Renfrewshire Council

Photo: Senior pupils at Gryffe High School on Results Day
Photo credit: Jamie Simpson / Renfrewshire Council