Renfrewshire pupils celebrate results day and leaving school for their future careers

Pupils at St Benedict’s High School in Linwood are among 4,000 pupils across Renfrewshire who have received their results today on their academic and vocational qualifications.

The young people said they are excited to move onto the next stage of their career pathways after receiving their results as texts, emails and letters from the Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA).

Faith Devoy is going to study geography at university. She said: “Going to university was the aim for me and I’m really excited to go and develop my skills I gained at school.

“School supported me throughout with support study and making sure I had a plan in place, so I feel ready to move onto the next stage now.”

Sandy Bamba is both excited and nervous to start her university course doing biochemistry. She said: “I think it will be good to meet new people at uni. I spent my last year at school doing advanced highers to prepare me for uni work and I feel prepared.

“I’m not certain what I want to do after getting a degree, but biology and chemistry are my two favourite subjects.”

Moses Amaeze is excited to enter a new phase of life. “When I first started my final year at school, I felt apprehensive, but now I feel confident and ready to go. I’m excited to have more freedom and grow my network.

“I’ve got a place at university to do computing science, but I’ve also applied for apprenticeships on software development and data analysis. I’m keeping my options open.”

Gabriel Cairney is going to start an apprenticeship with a rail infrastructure company. He said: “My papa used to work for this same company and I’m so happy to be following in his footsteps.

“Through an apprenticeship, I’ll be able to learn on the job and that’s something I really wanted to do. I’ll work for four days and then go to college for one day. It means I can be hands on.”

Marcus Kirwan is also heading into an apprenticeship doing tiling after experiencing different types of construction courses through school. He explained: “We did all kinds of trades at the college and I realised I enjoyed tiling the most. It’s hard to do but also easy at the same time.

“I was given a lot of opportunities through school and My Future Pathways, and that helped me decide I wanted to do an apprenticeship. I got my construction skills certification scheme (CSCS) card and also help to make a cv, fill out applications and prepare for interviews.”

Fhallon Boyle is going to college as the first part of becoming a teacher. She said: “I’ve always been fascinated by the way kids learn and grow. After volunteering regularly with a local nursery, I realised I enjoyed working with the older kids more and want to be a primary school teacher.

“I’m going to college first to do childhood practice and then off to university to do primary school teaching. I’m nervous about starting but I’m a talkative person and get on with people easily.”

Hannah Dyer is going to college to study business administration and finances, but in the future wants to travel the world. “I really want to go to Dubai, South Africa and Australia. I want to see every country possible. I really enjoy meeting new people and experiencing different cultures. I’m saving up money and looking at getting a work visa.”

Head teacher Alan Taylor said: “I am really delighted for all of our young people. They have worked so hard and they have achieved outstanding successes across an expanding range of courses and qualifications. As head teacher, I am immensely proud of each and every one of them.

“These successes are a testament to the young people’s hard work, the dedication of our teaching staff and the support of their families.

“So, celebrations today and best wishes to our young people as they now consider the next steps for their future.”

Councillor Emma Rodden, convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Education and Children’s Services Policy Board, added: “I want to congratulate all our senior pupils for their hard work over the last year, whether they were studying for exams or working on vocational coursework. The pressure on young people today is enormous and it’s important that we take this opportunity to celebrate the achievements of all our pupils.

“Many will have achieved everything they wanted but, for some, there may be disappointment. I would urge anyone who didn’t get the results they were expecting to speak to our schools for advice. There are many pathways to take to achieve career ambitions.

“I would like to wish all our pupils the very best for the future, whatever path they have chosen, whether they are returning to school, entering an apprenticeships or employment, or moving onto college or university.”

Any pupils looking for advice can call Skills Development Scotland’s exam results helpline on 0808 100 8000.