Pupils across Scotland received their much-anticipated exam results on Tuesday (August 5) - with a 0.8 per cent rise in National 5 passes.
That meant that students achieved a record 269,115 Nat 5 passes in 2026, with pass rates also up in Highers and Advanced Highers.
It was good news for Education Secretary Màiri McAllan, who only took on the role earlier this year, who said: “This is testament to the breadth and strength of Scotland’s education system, the professionalism of our teachers and school staff and the hard work of our young people.”
However, the percentage of pupils passing their Nat 5s varies considerably between council areas, with East Renfrewshire having the highest pass rate of 90.6 per cent and Fife having the lowest at 73.1 per cent - a difference of 17.5 per cent.
Here are the 10 worst performing council areas for Nat 5 pass rates.
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5. Scottish Borders
School pupils in the Scottish Borders, including the town of Galashiels, passed 75.1 per cent of their National 5 exams. | Canva/Getty Images
6. Dundee City
Dundee City had a Nat 5 exam pass rate of 75.6 per cent. | Canva/Getty Images
7. Argyll and Bute
Argyll and Bute pupils had a 76 per cent success rate in passing their Nat 5s. | Canva/Getty Images
8. Midlothian
Pupils passed 76.1 per cent of their Nat 5 exams in Midlothian, including the town of Penicuik. | Canva/Getty Images