Scottish school pupils have been congratulated on their Higher pass rate increase in exam results.
Figures released by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) stated that 76.9% of the 181,568 pupils who sat Higher exams in 2012 passed.
The statistics were released on Tuesday as thousands of teenagers across the country received their results for Standard Grade, Intermediate One, Intermediate Two, Higher and Advanced Higher exams.
Although the Standard Grade pass rate increased to 98.9% uptake of the exams fell by around 10,000 to around 320,000.
Education Secretary Michael Russell congratulated pupils on their achievement.
He said: "This has been another successful year which is testament to the hard work that pupils have put into their courses."
Mr Russell also highlighted his hopes for the government’s Curriculum for Excellence in giving pupils a better chance in the "global jobs market" during the coming years.
He added: "Behind today’s statistics are thousands of individual young people, each with their own set of results and ambitions for the future. Today is a day to celebrate their achievements."
Advanced Higher pass rates increased 0.8% to 80.1% this year, while pass rates for the 140,000 Intermediate Two pupils fell by 0.1% to 80.2%.
According to the statistics, around 74,400 sat Intermediate One exams with a 76.1% pass rate.
The Scottish Government has established an exam results helpline for any pupils or parents who need assistance with the marks released on Tuesday. It is available on 0808 100 8000.
STV Local is hosting a live question and answer webchat between 11am and 1pm for pupils who have just received their results. The event will include representatives from Skills Development Scotland and Ucas.
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