Official SQA statistics released on Higher results day, reveal more pupils got a university place than any previous year.
A particular highlight is the 27 per cent increase in vocational passes with 43,000 National Awards in courses such as early education, childcare and computer games development.
The figures also show 153,701 Higher passes, 77 per cent of those sat and 234,160 National 5 passes, 79 per cent of those sitting exams. There were also 114,635 National 4 passes, 93 per cent of those sat.
Scottish Conservative shadow education secretary Liz Smith said:
"Many congratulations to both pupils and teachers for a very good set of results. It is always an anxious wait particularly as so much depends on exam passes.
“It is good to see that most of the major issues that have affected SQA qualifications in recent years appear to have been addressed and that, in these early stages, there appear to be fewer criticisms of this year's papers.
“The integrity of any exam system is essential and that can only be guaranteed if there is effective quality control and transparency about the setting and marking of papers. I am sure SQA will continue to work hard to ensure this happens alongside all the other challenges that are facing the curriculum and assessment."