Outstanding exam success and Scotland’s top marks at George Watson’s College

We are delighted to share the impressive achievements of our pupils in the 2025 SQA exams, including the highest marks in the country across 15 exams.

Standout successes from our 2025 results, include:

· At National 5 level, Watson’s pupils achieved the highest marks in Scotland in Mathematics, English, Engineering Science, French, History, Music, Physical Education and Spanish

· At Higher level, this national leadership was repeated for Mathematics, Art & Design and Business Management and at Advanced Higher in Art & Design (Expressive), Engineering Science, Mathematics and Modern Studies

· At National 5, 108 pupils achieved straight As and 78.9% of grades achieved were As

· At Higher level in S5, 85 pupils achieved straight As and 65.1% of grades achieved were As.

· An impressive 91.2% of grades achieved at Advanced Higher were A-C, with 56.5% at A grade

This resounding exam success represents year-on-year improvement across every stage of SQA exams. This year also marks our 6th year of 100% pass rate in English at National 5 and an impressive 95.7% in the same grade range for National 5 Maths.

Recognising the potential of every child

George Watson’s College Head of Senior School, Louise Clarke said of the results:

“As a former pupil, I know first-hand the difference that a Watson’s education makes in preparing our pupils for exam success at every level. This year marks another set of outstanding results, including significant national leadership across a broad range of subjects. I am incredibly proud today of every one of our pupils for their hard work and commitment. I would also like to thank the families of our pupils for their vital support and the parents and carers who continue to entrust George Watson’s College with their child’s education. I am proud to share these successes with them and the whole Watson’s community.”

George Watson’s College Principal, Lisa Kerr said:

“With one of the country’s most extensive school curriculums, we offer unrivalled subject choice at Watson’s and welcome children with a wide range of talents. We have an open and unrestricted approach to exam presentation meaning every pupil is put forward for their chosen exams. This open approach makes these superb results even more remarkable, and I am proud to lead a school that puts the potential of every child at its heart. I would like to extend my thanks and congratulations to our pupils, their families and to my colleagues who have been such an important part of the learning journey. It is an honour to send these remarkable young people on to the next stage of their life, well equipped to achieve in their chosen field and contribute positively to the world around them.”

Further headlines include:

National 5

· 78.7% of results achieved at A grade with 108 pupils achieving straight As (a 7.9% increase on 2024)

· A-C grade 97.7% (up 2.3% on 2024)

· 100% pass rate (A-C) in English

· 95.7% pass rate (A-C) in Maths

· 100% A-C pass rate in 17 subjects

· 15 pupils achieved the highest mark nationally across 8 subjects

S5 Highers

· 65.1% of results achieved at A Grade, with 85 pupils achieving straight As (up 2.5% on 2024)

· A-C grade 94.7% (up 1.5% on 2024)

· 100% pass rate (A-C) in 17 subjects

· 4 pupils achieved the highest mark nationally across 3 subjects

Advanced Higher

· 91.2% of results achieved at A-C grade (up almost 2% on 2024) with

· A grade at 56.5% (up 4.8% on 2024)

· 7 pupils achieved the highest mark nationally across 4 subjects