School Higher exam results received by pupils across Scotland Scottish school pupils are celebrating after receiving their exam results with pass rates on the increase. On Tuesday, the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) released its annual rundown of exam results, which showed that 77.4% of the 183,314 students who sat Highers passed them. This was an increase in exam uptake and pass rate for 2013 compared on the previous year, while more pupils sat Intermediate Two exams with 144,368 entries and an increased pass rate of 81.8%. Standard Grade entries fell from 319,986 to 308,243 in 2013, while pupils taking Intermediate One exams fell to 69,618 with a pass rate 77.8%. Youth Employment Minister Angela Constance welcomed the figures. She said: "The wait for tens of thousands of Scotland's pupils and their families is finally over, and I am delighted that so many have come out with strong grades, leaving them well positioned for whatever they choose to do next. The exam pass rates are building on a solid record of achievement, meaning that today is a time for celebration. Record pass rates in a set of rigorously assessed exams confirm Scotland's strong record in attainment and I wish the class of 2013 the very best of luck in their next steps, be it another year in school, or moving on to college, university, training or employment. Advanced Higher entry uptake rose to 22,120 with a pass rate of 82.1%, while around 37,000 pupils have opted to receive their results by text message or email by 9am on Tuesday. All will receive their certificates in the post. Dr Janet Brown, SQA's chief executive and Scotland's chief examining officer, said: "On behalf of everyone at SQA, I congratulate all candidates on their achievement of courses and awards over the past year. I wish them continued success as they embark on a wide range of different pathways: moving into the workplace, or a training scheme, returning to school or taking up a place at college or university. The increased number of courses and awards achieved reflects the tremendous amount of hard work and commitment by candidates across Scotland and the value placed on qualifications in what continues to be a challenging economic environment. Labour education spokeswoman Kezia Dugdale added: "The increase in pass rates is a testament to the hard work of pupils, the excellent teaching they've received and the support of families. These results should make Scotland proud of our young people today. It is always easy for commentators to criticise exam success. But the pupils, teachers and families all know the effort and months of work that have gone into getting these results. But Tory education spokesman Liz Smith said people find it hard to believe that results are so good. She stated: "First of all, pupils who have achieved so well in these exams should be congratulated. They can only sit the exam placed in front of them. However, there have been growing levels of concern in recent years about these tests becoming easier. People find it hard to believe that while employers are complaining about a lack of basic skills from school leavers, exam performances are at an all-time high. We have to do all we can to make sure these exams are suitably rigorous. Without that, the whole system risks being undermined and our pupils will be overtaken by those from other countries in an increasingly global market place. The Educational Institute of Scotland, the country's largest teaching union, congratulated the pupils on their results. General secretary Larry Flanagan said: "The EIS congratulates Scotland's pupils and teachers and lecturers for another year of examination success. While it is can be iniquitous to compare exam results year on year, owing to variable factors, it is clear that Scottish pupils have delivered a strong set of results in their exams this year.