The latest statistics showed top exam scores had increased

The proportion of S4 pupils gaining five or more Standard Grade or Intermediate 2 awards at a high level rose to 47% over 2006 to 2007.

The figure stood at 34% for the previous academic year, according to the government-published statistics.

Chinese and Indian pupils were among the highest achievers and girls out-performed boys.

The statistics also indicated pupils who received free school meals, lived in more deprived areas or were in care, scored less then those who did not.

READ THE FINDINGS SQA attainment and school leaver qualifications in Scotland: 2006/07 [28KB] Most computers will open this document automatically, but you may need Adobe Reader Download the reader here

And those attending rural schools also did better than those studying at urban ones.

In addition, there was an increase in the number of qualifications gained at special schools.

The number of school leavers who failed to gain qualifications at or better than the Standard Grade 5-6 level has remained fairly static, at about 4%.