School leavers in Scotland are emerging from state schools with better qualifications than in previous years, according to latest figures.

However, while girls appear to be outscoring boys in the results stakes, there has been an increase in the number of pupils leaving school with no qualifications at all.

The Scottish Executive figures for publicly funded schools for 2000/2001, look at exam results for Standard Grades, Sixth Year Studies and the new National Qualifications.

Deputy Education Minister, Nicol Stephen, said the results illustrated some of the successes in Scotland's education system.

Nicol Stephen: "Continued improvement"

The most significant rise is in the number of school leavers achieving five or more Standard Grades or passes at Intermediate 2.

The results are presented by the levels in the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).

They include National Qualifications at Standard Grade, Access, Intermediate 1, intermediate 2, Higher and Advanced Higher.

Mr Stephen welcomed the figures and said they showed an improvement in attainment.

"I welcome the publication of these figures on school leavers and their qualifications," he said.

'Be proud'

"The results highlight some of the successes in our education system.

"It is particularly pleasing that the percentage of leavers who attained five or more awards at Level 5 (or better) has increased from 39.5% in 1998-99 to 43.6% in 2000-01.

"However, the figures also show us there is more to be done. For example, 5.7% of pupils are leaving school with no award at SCQF Level 3 or better.

"And the difference in attainment between boys and girls, which has been a feature of recent analyses, is again evident here.

"I have no doubt that all of us involved in education share a commitment to continuous improvement.

"These figures show where improvements can be made but also emphasise that there is much to be proud of in Scottish education."