ADVANCED higher and national four pass rates at Our Lady and St Patrick's High School have dropped, a new report has revealed.

Figures for the school peaked in 2016, with 89 per cent of pupils sitting advanced higher exams receiving a pass but only 76 per cent passed this year - despite the council reporting "steady improvement" in the that level over the last four years.

National four passes for the school have continued to decline, according to a document circulated to Wednesday's education committee meeting in Clydebank Town Hall.

In 2015, 100 per cent of pupils passed their national four qualifications but just 95 per cent passed the following year and only 88 per cent received qualifications this year.

The stats leave OLSP below the national average for advanced higher by four per cent and national four by 4.59 per cent - making it the only school to fall below the N4 average in West Dunbartonshire.

By contrast the school's higher and national five pass rate increased by one per cent.

Overall, the results portrayed a fairly positive picture with West Dunbartonshire schools performing above the national average in all but two examination levels - advanced higher showed a two per cent drop and higher showed a one per cent drop.

Dumbarton Academy's advanced higher rate increased from 65 per cent to 77 per cent - following a dramatic 32 per cent drop from 2015 - and both national five and fours have improved by three and two per cent respectively.

However, the school's higher pass rate has declined by five per cent, making it a four year low for the school.

Vale of Leven Academy has also seen a decrease in advanced higher passes with just 70 per cent making the grade this year, compared to 76 last year.

The school reported a two per cent rise in higher pass rates, while their national five grades stayed firm at 80 per cent national four passes remained at 100 per cent for the third year running.

The council's education committee congratulated the 2,165 pupils - 84 per cent of whom passed resulting in 9,927 qualifications - who presented during exam season for their hard work.

Committee chair Councillor Karen Conaghan said: "Again we look at the performance of our schools and our young people and they are doing really well.

"We can really hold our heads up high. This area, I would say, consistently punches above it's weight."

Council leader Cllr Jonathan McColl and opposition leader Cllr Martin Rooney requested data on how pupils are supported upon their departure from school, as well as details on the support for those who don't gain qualifications is presented to the next committee meeting.