S5-S6

Burnett Scholarships are available for pupils entering S5 and S6 from other schools, supporting talented young people as they join the Robert Gordon's College community.
 
S5 is an important year in every pupil’s school career and plays a key role in academic assessment. Achievements in Higher exams are significant for university entrance and future career aspirations. Pupils choose five courses, usually including Higher English, from a range of 29 subjects.
 
As a community, we highly value the impact of outdoor and cultural experiences on pupils' personal and social development. During Projects Week, S5 pupils choose from a broad range of activities designed to challenge them and broaden their horizons.
 

S6 marks the culmination of thirteen years of school, offering greater responsibility, independence, and preparation for life beyond the classroom. It is a valuable year for both academic and personal growth, with smaller, seminar-style classes providing a taste of university learning. Pupils can select from a wide range of courses, including Highers, Advanced Highers, National 5, GCSE, AS Level, and enhancement options.

Advanced Highers offer an excellent bridge to university, particularly for demanding courses such as Law, developing independence, confidence, and critical thinking. S6 also supports personal growth, helping pupils strengthen their communication skills, build their personal brand, and form meaningful connections. Through the Advancement Team, pupils can engage with former pupils across a range of professions, gaining valuable insight into future pathways.

2025 Higher and Advanced Higher Results Highlights

Robert Gordon's College operates an open presentation policy where A-C passes are above the national independent school average.

Higher (S5)

  • 94.6% A-C
  • 82% A-B
  • 57.6% A
  • 83.9% English A-B
  • 84.3% Mathematics A-B
  • 100% French, Mandarin A
  • 100% History, Music A-B
  • 100% PE A-C
  • 93.3% Modern Studies A-B
  • 90% Latin A
  • 89% Drama and Music A
  • 89% Languages A-B
  • 82% Economics A-B
  • Average number of Highers achieved per pupil is 4.74 and fifty pupils achieved five As.

Advanced Higher (S6)

  • 95.1% A-C
  • 82.4% A-B 
  • 58.6% A
  • 100% French A
  • 85% Mathematics of Mechanics A
  • 100% Accounting, Art, Drama, Mandarin, Music A-B
  • 100% Biology A-C
  • 95% Languages A-B
  • 94.4% Geography A-B
  • 90% Economics A-B
  • 86.4% Mathematics A-B
  • 85.7% English A-B
  • 81% Chemistry A-B

Average number of Advanced Highers achieved per pupil is 2.4, a record high. Twenty-four pupils achieved three As and six pupils achieved four As.

98% of S6 leavers secured university offers.

Future Pathways

2025 Exam Results A-C Comparison

Robert Gordon's College operates an open presentation policy where A-C passes are above the national independent school average.

Level National* Aberdeen City* Aberdeenshire* Independent Schools*

RGC**
National 5 A-C 76.2%

75.3%

81.3%

94.6%

96.5% 
National 5 A-B 60% 59% 64% 87.8%

91.1%
Higher A-C 73.6%

72.9%

77.3%

92.3%

94.6% 
Higher A-B 53.2% 52.2% 55.3% 80.1%

82%
Advanced Higher A-C 72.2%

74.1%

72.3%

89.5%

95.1% 
Advanced Higher A-B 50.6% 53.9% 47.2% 77%

82.4%

Comparison produced based on data available at time of publishing.
*SQA 2025 Pre-appeal
**SQA 2025 Post-appeal

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