Finlay (S4), an aspiring Journalist, overcame challenges of managing a busy co-curricular timetable, studying eight National 5s, and a volunteer role, resulting in As across the board.

This outstanding achievement reflects his passion for storytelling and unwavering commitment to his studies. With such a strong academic foundation, he is well on his way to making a significant impact in the world of journalism, where his talents and dedication will surely shine.

Finlay studied Chemistry, English, German, History, Mathematics, Modern Studies, Physical Education and Physics. He shared: "I’m absolutely over the moon with my National 5 results this year, achieving A grades in all eight of my subjects! The results I have obtained are not just a testament to my own hard work, but also the dedication of my parents and the incredible teachers we have at the school, whose knowledge and expertise I am indebted to for my results. 

"Next year, I am looking forward to challenge myself with Higher courses in English, Maths, History, Physics and Chemistry, and as I work towards a career in journalism, I acknowledge that I will have to work even harder next year to get my desired results!

"The school has been amazing in giving me opportunities to pursue my chosen career, such as entering Young Journalist of the Year and being able to work with the Press Team during Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI).

"I initially struggled with maintaining a balance between studying and my co-curricular activities, as I have a very busy weekly schedule which includes curling, cricket and volunteering with my local Cub group. I knew how important the exams were to me, but I didn’t want to give up any of my activities during study leave, so my parents and I worked out times when I wasn’t busy with exams and that meant I was able to go to one or two of my activities a week, allowing me to maintain a healthy lifestyle and reduce the chances of me getting burnt out during study leave.

"Unfortunately, I did not receive my results at the expected time of 8am. My mum and I had to undergo a nerve-racking 45 minute wait before an email from the SQA eventually arrived. However, when I eventually brought myself to look, it turned out the email was blank! This seemed to be a problem for many people across Scotland, as demonstrated by the fact that ‘SQA’ was trending on X and Facebook, but the exam staff at Robert Gordon's were brilliant in sending our results out to us as quickly as possible, even though the school internet was down! At 09:28 the results came in and we could all breathe a very large sigh of relief!"

Nearly all S4 pupils sat eight National 5 exams at Robert Gordon's with an increase this year in the A (71.2%), A-B (88%) and A-C (95.9%) overall pass rate, well above the national average. English and Mathematics saw impressive results with 95% A-B passes in English and 91% in Mathematics. In Languages, pupils achieved an average 90% A-B pass rate in French, German, Latin, Mandarin or Spanish, and, in the first year of us presenting pupils for National 5 PE, 97% of pupils achieved an A grade.