Exam results

Aug 6 2010 by Julie Watt, Dumfries Standard Friday

MORE than 5,000 pupils across Dumfries and Galloway waited with bated breath for posties to deliver their exam results yesterday.

Thousands of college and university places hung in the balance as eager pupils tore open their SQA standard grade and higher results on Thursday morning.

Thornhill sisters, Hayley and Sasha Bain have gone straight to the top of the class with their exam results.

Hayley, aged 18, is delighted after gaining two higher B passes in Biology and Care Practice from Dumfries and Galloway College.

She told the Standard: “I was really nervous opening my exam results this morning. I just found a quiet place in the house and opened the envelope by myself but I was really pleased with my results.”

And now Hayley plans to travel the world for a year before starting a nursing degree.

She added: “I am really happy with my results but I now want a break from education. I plan to travel and visit places like New Zealand.”

Her sister Sasha, aged 16, is equally pleased with her results.

The Wallace Hall Academy pupil got two As in Maths and Biology and two Bs in Chemistry and English, to add to the B in Admin that she attained last year.

She said: “I was quite jittery waiting for my results but now I have opened the letter I am really pleased. I can’t wait to celebrate passing my exams with my friends on Friday night.”

Education Secretary Michael Russell said: “I’d like to convey my congratulations to students, teachers and parents for their success and high levels of attainment, which confirms the strengths of the Scottish education system.

“The arrival of exam results is an exciting but often daunting time in any young person’s life.”

This year Royal Mail delivered a record number of exam results.

Cathy Way, Royal Mail logistics director, said: “Our people pull out all the stops to ensure the results are delivered as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

However if anyone is disappointed with their results or wants advice on taking the next step the national exam helpline ensures every student has the right support. Advisers will be on hand to give the latest information on course vacancies at colleges and universities across the UK, clearing, advice about employment, training opportunities and exam re-sits.

The helpline will be open until August 28 and has 80 advisers on hand to help.

Visit www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk for more information or call 0808 100 8000.