MORE than 140,000 young people in Scotland received their exam results last week. 

For many the results will have been what young people will have wanted or expected and for others not so. 

For those who are now moving on to college or university, I wish you well and hope the hard work you have put in continues for the remainder of your studies. 

For those who are re-evaluating your next move, please seek the advice of others including the official helpline at 0808 100 8000.

The results highlighted a few things about education in Scotland. Firstly, it’s the third year in a row that higher passes have surpassed 150,000. 

Next, it’s the second highest number of Higher passes on record. Thirdly, Inverclyde schools have achieved their best ever performance at Higher with 43.4 per cent of S6 pupils leaving school with three awards. 

Finally, more Scots, including those from deprived backgrounds, have secured a place at university or college.

The number of prospective students from the 20 per cent most deprived areas — SIMD 20 — getting a place at university has risen by 13 per cent to record levels. 

Since 2015, it has increased by 20 per cent. Also, the total number of Scottish students going to a Scottish university hit a new record of 27,830.

Much has been written and spoken about education by many politicians. 

Although there are challenges to be faced, the system is working and our school pupils and teachers are working tremendously hard to achieve better results. 

Let’s encourage them and not continually talk down their efforts.