East Dunbartonshire was close behind, with three schools included in the ranking, while Jordanhill School in Glasgow maintained its top position for the seventh consecutive year.
It is important to note that exams alone cannot determine the overall quality of a school, as they do not consider factors like teaching standards, the proportion of students with special educational needs, or the socio-economic background of the school’s community.
Despite this, the publication of exam results in a league table format has been criticized for oversimplifying school performance. However, these rankings are provided to offer parents valuable insights to supplement inspection reports and other evaluations of local educational institutions.
Here are the top 10 schools in Scotland based on their exam performance:
1. Jordanhill School
Jordanhill School, known for its outstanding academic achievements, continues to excel by securing the top spot. An impressive 89% of students graduate with a minimum of five Highers, maintaining the same success rate as the previous year. With a student population of 584, this school stands out as the only institution in Glasgow directly funded by the Scottish government and independently governed, unlike the others on the list which are overseen by local councils.
2. Bearsden Academy
Leading in East Dunbartonshire and securing the second position in Scotland, Bearsden Academy boasts an 81% success rate in students achieving five Highers. The school accommodates 1,213 pupils.
3. Mearns Castle School
A notable climber this year, Mearns Castle School has significantly improved its ranking from eighth to third place. With 80% of its students from Newton Mearns achieving at least five Higher exams, up from 73% in the previous year, this school in East Renfrewshire caters to 1,168 pupils.
4. St Ninian’s High School
Another high-achieving institution in East Renfrewshire, St Ninian’s High School secures the fourth spot with 79% of its students attaining a minimum of five Highers, consistent with the previous year. Located in Giffnock and accommodating 1,943 students, St Ninian’s continues to maintain its academic standards.