HERMITAGE Academy had the best Higher exam pass rate in all of mainland Argyll and Bute in 2018, according to newly-published figures.

A total of 82.67 per cent of pupils presented for Higher exams achieved a pass, a figure which only Tiree and Tobermory High Schools could match in the area.

Hermitage’s pass rate was also above the Argyll and Bute average of 78.79 per cent, and a three per cent increase on the school’s Higher pass rate last year.

And there was more to celebrate, as 83 per cent of National 5 candidates, and 83.44 per cent of advanced Higher students, passed.

The advanced Higher figure was boosted by nearly six per cent on the school’s passes at that level from last year.

In keeping with the local area’s overall performance, 100 per cent of pupils presented for National 4 exams passed.

The 2018 exams were the first at Hermitage since new head teacher Robert Williamson took over at the helm of the school in October 2017, succeeding Geoff Urie.

Councillor Ellen Morton expressed her delight at the figures – and urged Hermitage to keep up the good work.

She said: “There had been some historic issues with the academy and we promised that these would be addressed.

“These results give a very clear and reassuring signal to parents and pupils that the academy is on the right track.

“We have made the progress that we promised we would make, and these are marvellous results. All credit to the staff and pupils for achieving them.

“Argyll and Bute is above the national average and Helensburgh and Lomond is above the Argyll and Bute average.

“But you can never relax and say ‘job done’. There is always another job waiting around the corner.

“The message is that these results are great news, but let’s keep going.”

“There have been so many changes to education nationally that it has been difficult for teachers and head teachers to keep progressing all the time.”

The figures are revealed in a report by the council’s executive director of customer services, Douglas Hendry, which will go before the community services committee today (Thursday).

Mr Hendry’s report says: “All 10 secondary schools maintained their 100 per cent pass rate for National 4, outperforming the national average.

“Eight of our secondary schools were above the national average with seven outperforming the authority average for National 5.

“Five of our secondary schools outperformed both the national and authority average for Higher.

“Six of our secondary schools were above the national average with five outperforming the authority average for Advanced Higher.”

Mr Hendry also stated in his report that percentage pass rate data should be interpreted carefully because of presentation policies which are designed to encourage pupils to succeed at the highest possible level of qualification.

The report adds: “In some instances, and for some pupils this may mean that they receive a D grade within a qualification level, which is an award.

“It is also the policy in Argyll and Bute, as with other local authorities, that full discussion and consideration of both pupils’ and parents’ views are reflected in the final decision to continue with a course or whether to sit an external exam.

“This policy may result in circumstances where pupils are given the opportunity to attempt a level that they may find challenging to pass as it may be their last opportunity to do so.

“Schools will again offer these pupils the opportunity to sit the exam to improve their positive destination chances.”