The best results for over a decade at a Perth secondary school are proof of rising educational standards, the council has said.
New figures show a rising trend in exam performance for secondary school pupils in Perth and Kinross.
Particular focus has been on young people who have traditionally not performed as well as their peers. The 2010/11 results include a notable reduction in the gap between lower ability and higher performing pupils.
The performance of pupils from the most deprived areas and looked-after children also went up again in 2010/11.
Perth Academy has been highlighted as a key example of the trend, with 2010/11 results the best for over a decade in many subjects.
The school looks to improve attainment for all pupils, with specific attention to ensuring its most vulnerable young people gain qualifications.
Every pupil in S4 has achieved five passes at Access 3 or Standard Grade Foundation level. The council says this reflects the commitment to pupils with additional needs. Higher figures for S5 pupils have been the best for 11 years.
The school’s computing department has continued to maintain its reputation as one of the best in Scotland, with outstanding Advanced Higher results achieved by the class of 2010/11 nine As, nine Bs and a C.
More Advanced Highers have also been introduced at Perth Academy, in history and religious, moral and philosophical studies bucking the national trend.
Perth Academy rector Andy Smith said: ”We have success at many levels and this is based very much on high expectations and setting aspirational targets with our pupils.
”All of our staff play a huge part in this success and I am delighted to see the hard work of our pupils and staff recognised in this way.
”The parental partnership with school is equally important and parents support us by attending raising attainment evenings and playing their part in the process.”
Perth and Kinross Council’s lifelong learning convener Councillor Liz Grant said: ”As Perth Academy’s approach shows, schools are using a wide range of methods and strategies to help young people develop and improve their learning and get as much as possible from their education.
”This upward trend is something we will continue to focus on maintaining at all levels of learning for the benefit of young people now and in the future.”