More than 150,000 pupils across Scotland are anxiously waiting to discover the results of their exams.
More than 150,000 pupils across Scotland have been receiving their exam results.
The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) said total entries for courses had increased on previous years at all levels apart from Standard Grade.
Pass rates at Higher and Standard Grade were at their highest level since the new system came in eight years ago.
Pass rates overall were said to have shown a "small but encouraging" increase in attainment.
For Highers, the pass rate rose 1.7% in a year, while overall figures were said to have shown a "small but encouraging" increase in attainment.
Scottish Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop said this showed the current system was very strong.
Scottish Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop said this showed the current system was very strong.
Certificates are being sent to 158,627 students this year, up from 155,893 in 2007. About 20,000 students who signed up for a special scheme will get their grades by e-mail or text message at about 0800 BST.
The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) said total entries for courses had increased on previous years at all levels apart from Standard Grade.
Certificates are being sent to 158,627 students this year, up from 155,893 in 2007. About 20,000 students who signed up for a special scheme were due to receive their grades by e-mail or text message at about 0800 BST.
The overall attainment for Standard Grades rose from 97.6% to 98%, while for Highers pass figures were up from 71.7% to 73.4%. If you compare the Scottish system to A levels in England, where there's been quite marked increases, I think we can reflect that we have a very robust system Fiona HyslopScottish education secretary
The overall attainment for Standard Grades rose from 97.6% to 98%, while for Highers pass figures were up from 71.7% to 73.4%. If you compare the Scottish system to A levels in England, where there's been quite marked increases, I think we can reflect that we have a very robust system Fiona HyslopScottish education secretary
The English Higher pass rate was up 3.4% from 64.9% in 2007 to 68.3%. Maths Highers pass rates also rose from 70% to 71.6%.
The English Higher pass rate was up 3.4% from 64.9% in 2007 to 68.3%. Maths Highers pass rates also rose from 70% to 71.6%.
Standard Grade English results remained steady at 98.7%, while Standard Grade Maths improved slightly from 97.4% to 98.7%.
Standard Grade English results remained steady at 98.7%, while Standard Grade Maths improved slightly from 97.4% to 98.7%.
Dr Janet Brown, SQA's chief executive and Scotland's chief examining officer, said: "I am delighted and greatly encouraged to see the increase in numbers of learners achieving our qualifications, and the steady growth in pass rates.
Dr Janet Brown, SQA's chief executive and Scotland's chief examining officer, said: "I am delighted and greatly encouraged to see the increase in numbers of learners achieving our qualifications, and the steady growth in pass rates.
"These results show continuing strong achievements in what is a robust Scottish education system."
"These results show continuing strong achievements in what is a robust Scottish education system."
Ms Hyslop said the 1.7% increase in attainment was satisfactory, saying it was preferable to avoid large variations, either up or down.
Ms Hyslop said the 1.7% attainment increase was satisfactory, saying it was preferable to avoid large variations, either up or down.
She told BBC radio's Good Morning Scotland programme: "If you compare the Scottish system, for example, to the A levels in England where there's been quite marked increases, I think we can reflect that we have a very robust system, that it's very testing.
She told BBC radio's Good Morning Scotland programme: "If you compare the Scottish system, for example, to the A levels in England where there's been quite marked increases, I think we can reflect that we have a very robust system, that it's very testing.
"I think a marginal increase of 1.7% shows we have improvements in attainment, but it's at a level that shows we've got a very strong and robust exam system."
"I think a marginal increase of 1.7% shows we have improvements in attainment, but it's at a level that shows we've got a very strong and robust exam system."
Career choice
Career choice
A hotline run by Careers Scotland will offer advice on course vacancies at colleges and universities across the UK, work and training, exam re-sits, taking a year out and other post-school options.
A hotline run by Careers Scotland will offer advice on course vacancies at colleges and universities across the UK, work and training, exam re-sits, taking a year out and other post-school options.
Danny Logue, director of careers with Skills Development Scotland, said: "It's vital for students to call the helpline as soon as they can, as colleges and universities make their final selections once the results are out.
Danny Logue, director of careers with Skills Development Scotland, said: "It's vital for students to call the helpline as soon as they can, as colleges and universities make their final selections once the results are out.
"We can discuss the options and look at the different learning pathways and routes that are available to help the caller make an informed career choice that is right for them."
"We can discuss the options and look at the different learning pathways and routes that are available to help the caller make an informed career choice that is right for them."
Lines will be open from 0800 BST to 2000 BST on Tuesday and Wednesday and from 1000 BST to 1800 BST on Thursday through until Friday 22 August.
Lines will be open from 0800 BST to 2000 BST on Tuesday and Wednesday and from 1000 BST to 1800 BST on Thursday through until Friday 22 August.
The Careers Scotland helpline - 0808 100 8000 - offers advice on different courses and opportunities available. The SQA candidate helpline is also available on 0845 278 8080.
The Careers Scotland helpline - 0808 100 8000 - offers advice on different courses and opportunities available. The SQA candidate helpline is also available on 0845 278 8080.
Is your child still waiting for their Sats results? Should the government publish the national results? Send us your comments using the form below.
Is your child waiting for their exams results? How did they do? Are these exams significant for you? Send us your comments using the form below.
