High schools in Argyll and Bute have achieved one of the highest rates in leavers finding work or further education.
Last year the percentage of pupils going on to higher and further education, training or employment hit a record 92.5%, compared to the Scottish average of 90%
Three schools achieved a 100% success rate – Tarbert, Tiree and Tobermory.
Rothesay Academy had the largest increase, up 11.3% to 77%, followed by Campbeltown Grammar up 10.9% to 85%.
Councillor Ellen Morton, policy leader for education and lifelong learning, said: “I am delighted to see such a high percentage of our young people move on from school to positive destinations.
“This highlights the effort the council has made recently to support our young people to take advantage of all the opportunities available to them.”
The figures were released yesterday by Scottish Schools Online, which allows parents to check the performance of any school in the country.
The data also showed that absenteeism at secondary schools in Shetland is among the lowest in Scotland. Just 0.6% of absences were unauthorised in 2012-13, compared to 2.5% across Scotland.
Anderson High School did even better with an absenteeism rate of just 0.4%.
Whalsay School and Brae High School achieved 100% success rates for pupils achieving five of more standards grades at foundation level.
Shetland director of children’s services Helen Budge said: “We get very good results and we are very pleased how well our young folk do.
“Staff work very hard with them to maintain the level of results we consistently get.”
Exams results across Orkney were generally higher than the Scottish average. Stromness Academy achieved a 100% success rate for pupils achieving five of more standard grades at foundation level and a 92% success rate for general level or better.
A council spokeswoman said: “The performance of Orkney pupils in national examinations continues to reflect the importance the Orkney community as a whole give to their children’s broad education and preparation for life when they leave school.
“Overall pupils have again performed very well in the 2013 diet of examinations, but also they have considerable success in wider achievements.
“It is this broad grounding in education that contributes significantly to their excellent success in achieving positive leaver destinations where they can continue their journey into work and lifelong learning.”