The Calderglen High School pupil (pictured above, second left at front), who got an Advanced Higher in Mathematics (B) and Higher Administration and IT (A), had already secured unconditional acceptances at universities following last year’s 5 As as well as a qualification in Mental Health and Wellbeing.

Matilda said: “I am delighted with all the results I have been awarded over the last two years.

“As well as applying for university places, I also applied for graduate apprenticeships and was delighted to be offered three interviews.

“Someone else two years ahead of me at school recommended BAE Systems in Glasgow after they were offered a place.

“As I have always been very focused on wanting to do something with numbers, taking up the offer of working in Finance and Accounting seemed the best fit for me.

“So, I was delighted when BAE made me the offer and I am really looking forward to starting work with them later this month.”

Of course, Matilda wasn’t the only one at her school to be setting off on Positive Destinations after getting the awards they were hoping for from this year’s exam results.

Head Teacher Liz White said: “I want to congratulate our young people on all that they have achieved – especially as they have all been educated in both pandemic and post-pandemic times. I commend their efforts, their resilience and their tenacity and drive.

“Our young people’s achievements show how comprehensive a school we are, from young people achieving 4 As at advanced Higher to National 4 and 5 Level, for some against the odds.

“We are proud of the hard-fought achievements of every young person and of the pathways that have now opened up to all of them.”

On hand to celebrate their results with their friends and teachers at the school in East Kilbride on results day were (pictured left to right with Depute Head Teacher Fiona Murphy, Head Teacher Liz White and Depute Head Teacher Keith Chaplin, are:

• Lucy Aston – despite serious illness necessitating high levels of absence, Lucy has been awarded National 5 qualifications in Music (A), French (A), Geography (A), English (B), Biology (B), Music Technology (C), Applications of Mathematics (C) and Mathematics at National 4
• Callum Foster – after overcoming barriers to learning, Callum has now achieved Higher History (A), Higher English (B), Higher Art and Design (B) and National 5 Applications of Mathematics (B)
• Zaynab Brooks – despite Wellbeing issues which prevented usual levels of attendance, Zaynab has managed to keep up to date with her studies and achieved 5 A Highers in English, Art, Physics, Mathematics and Chemistry. She is coming back to S6 and wants to go on to study medicine
• Matilda Frew – as above
• Blake Syme - Advanced Higher Mathematics (A), Mechanics of Mathematics - done as an extra alongside (A) and Advanced Higher Physics (A) – self-taught – and Advanced Higher Computing Science (A)
• Sean White - Advanced Higher Art and Design (Design) (B), Higher Drama (A), Higher Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies (C). The school put in place an additional portfolio course and Sean has now gained a place at Glasgow School of Art (B.A Hons Design)
• Eva Blake – Eva favoured lockdown and struggled post-pandemic with attendance in her S4 & S5 school years. She required support throughout her senior phase and with hard work and determination has gained entry to Primary Teaching, meeting conditions against the odds after achieving the following qualifications - Business Management N6 (A), Administration and IT N6 (B) and History N6 (B)

Two other pupils who were not in the pictures taken on Tuesday 8 August to celebrate were:

• Jessica Harvey – due to a late options change Jessica had some catching up to do but still managed to get an A in N5 History to add to getting all As in Applications of Mathematics, Practical Electronics, Spanish, French, English, Mathematics, Physics and History
• Emily Booth – Emily struggled to cope after close family bereavement but managed to get Advanced Higher Music (A), Higher Administration and IT (A), Higher Business Management (B) and is now going on to do a Graduate Apprenticeship