Academic ambition shines through in RGC pupils’ exceptional results

Building on a proud tradition of academic excellence, Robert Gordon’s College is celebrating an exceptional set of SQA examination results, with S6 Advanced Highers achieving a remarkable 94.8% A-C pass rate (5.3% above the national independent school average and 22.6% above the national average), including 58% at grade A (3.7% above the national independent school average and 32.4% above the national average). 

At S5 Higher, pupils achieved a 94.6% A-C pass rate (2.3% above the national independent school average and 21% above the national average). Meanwhile, S4 National 5 pupils attained a 96.5% A-C pass rate (1.9% above the national independent school average and 20.3% above the national average), with an impressive 76.9% at grade A (4.3% above the national independent school average and 41.1% above the national average). An outstanding number of pupils also achieved straight A grades across their subjects. 

These results reflect the impact of high-quality teaching and learning, combined with the breadth of subject choice and the incredible opportunities available to pupils as they prepare for exciting future pathways.

National 5 results have once again shown an increase across all grades, with a particularly notable rise in the number of A passes. Nearly all pupils sat eight National 5 examinations, with this year’s cohort achieving uplifts in the A (76.9%), A-B (91.1%), and A-C (96.5%) overall pass rates. Impressively, 81 pupils achieved eight A grades. Across the different subjects, highlights include 166 pupils achieving an A in English, with 99.5% of entries at A-B. In Mathematics, 150 pupils achieved an A, with 96.5% at A-B. In Languages, 72% of all entries across French, German, Latin, Mandarin and Spanish achieved an A pass. In the Sciences, 279 S4 pupils achieved an A in Biology, Chemistry, or Physics, with 72% of all Science entries awarded an A. In the Creative Arts, 89% of entries achieved an A grade. Engineering saw 90% achieving an A, and, for the second year of presenting National 5 PE, 98% of S4 pupils achieved an A. 

S5, which is such an important year, continues to be a strong area of achievement. The overall A-C pass rate is an impressive 94.6%, with the average number of Highers achieved increasing from 4.55 to 4.74. In English, 71 pupils achieved an A; with 83% of Higher English grades at A-B. In Mathematics, 86 pupils achieved an A, with 79% of grades at A-B. Across Languages, 100% of pupils achieved an A in French and 89% of pupils achieved an A-B in a Higher language subject. In the Creative Arts, 89% achieved an A in Drama and Music, while 96% achieved an A-B in History.

Building on the success of the new S6 programme at Robert Gordon’s College, 132 pupils sat Advanced Highers, achieving an outstanding 81.8% A-B pass rate, with A-C grades reaching 94.8%. The impressive average number of Advanced Highers achieved per S6 pupil reached 2.4, a record high. Twenty-four pupils achieved three As and six achieved four As at Advanced Higher. Notably, 100% of Advanced Higher French pupils achieved an A; with 95% A-B grades across all languages, 85% A grades in Mathematics of Mechanics, 90% A-B grades in Advanced Higher Economics, 100% A-B grades in Art, Drama, and Music; and 94% A-B passes in Geography.

Mrs Clare Smith, Head of Senior School, shared: “We are incredibly proud of our pupils’ achievements across all exam levels. From the record-breaking S6 Advanced Higher results and the impressive S5 Higher passes to the outstanding number of pupils achieving all A grades at National 5, we celebrate an exceptional year of academic success.

“These successes are never achieved in isolation. They reflect the strong partnership between pupils, staff, and families - a community working together to support every individual to be the best they can be. What is especially exciting is how our curriculum encourages creativity alongside academic excellence. The connection between neuroscience and arts, for example, helps our pupils develop critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and innovative problem-solving skills. It is inspiring to see our pupils not only achieve excellent results but also grow into confident, thoughtful young people who are ready to take on the future with enthusiasm. Whether aiming for competitive university courses or exploring other exciting pathways, they are well prepared for the next stage of their journey.”

For those pursuing higher education, the Class of 2025 have secured places on competitive courses at leading universities throughout Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Edinburgh is one of the most popular destinations this year, with pupils going on to study subjects such as Law, International Relations, Medicine, Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics, and Sport Management. Three pupils have secured places at Imperial College London to study Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Medical Bioscience. Economics continues to be a popular choice, alongside a strong and growing enthusiasm for Psychology and creative pathways.

From the early Nursery years at Robert Gordon’s College to the University of Edinburgh, Catriona (pictured) studied Advanced Higher Modern Studies and Geography, along with Higher Physical Education. She said: “After working hard in S5 and gaining 5As in my Higher exams, I was delighted when I got an unconditional offer for university and absolutely loved staying on for S6. In September, I’m excited to start my MA Geography (Hons) at the University of Edinburgh. Studying two Advanced Highers in S6 was hugely beneficial; it taught me how to work and research on my own, which is a useful skill. On top of this, taking Advanced Higher Modern Studies gave me the chance to write a dissertation, and I’m so grateful for that experience. 

“The biggest challenge I’ve faced has been juggling my hockey, pipe band, role as House Captain, and other commitments alongside my schoolwork. Playing hockey every other week in Dundee was tough, especially when I was in S5 and trying to focus on my Highers, but it really motivated me to make the most of any free time I had to study. My teachers have been amazing throughout my time at school, and I wouldn’t have achieved the success without their support. Gaining these SQA qualifications has set me up well for higher education, and I look forward to seeing where they take me.” 

Joining Robert Gordon’s College for his senior years from Newmachar, Christian (pictured) is now preparing to study Theoretical Physics at the University of St Andrews. Having achieved four Advanced Highers in Chemistry, Mathematics of Mechanics, Mathematics, and Physics, he added: “After completing my Highers, I thought that I had studied as hard and as long as I could, but then came Advanced Highers, and I realised I was going to have to step up my game! This year I have been pushed harder than ever, but it has paid off, as I have walked away with three As and a B at Advanced Higher, making me lucky enough to be studying Theoretical Physics at St Andrews next year. I cannot wait to start at such a prestigious university, granting me access to world-leading technology, for which I am very grateful.”

Mr Robin Macpherson, Head of College, highlighted: “These outstanding results provide powerful evidence of the academic rigour that RGC has always been renowned for. We are incredibly proud of the achievements of our pupils who have worked so hard all year to achieve these qualifications. Phenomenal teaching and learning are at the heart of the pupil experience and we have very high expectations for all learners. It’s fantastic to see their efforts culminate in strong results, and they deserve to celebrate them.

“The onward destinations of our leavers are so exciting, and our focus on metacognitive skills means they will be able to adapt and thrive, wherever they go in the world.”