* “There is much to celebrate in this year’s Higher and Standard grade examination results. Pass rates in both are better than last year.” - Herald
* “Nobody wants to rain on the parade of Scotland’s academic achievers, but . . . there is concern about a tendency to dumb down examinations and a fear that, if this continues, we may reach a point where the system becomes discredited.” - Scottish Daily Mail
* “Pass rates are up in almost every subject. And it’s all down to the hard work of the pupils and their teachers, not easier exams. Too often, teenagers get a hard time. Today, they deserve a pat on the back for a job well done.” - Daily Record
* “It must be remembered that exams are not an end in themselves. They are a benchmark of academic achievement, but need to be set against a range of other factors when school-leavers are being considered for employment.” - Edinburgh Evening News
* “You cannot have it both ways. Demands for an improved education system are regularly met with a raft of criticism when more pupils pass. What these figures could show is the impact of a period of relative stability in Scottish education and that is good for all in the long term.” - Press and Journal
