Both Banchory and Turriff are surrounded by acres and acres of stunning countryside.
The Aberdeenshire towns take pride of place in their respective parts of the region.
Banchory boasts a population of around 7,400 with Turriff’s inhabitants coming in roughly at 4,700.
They seem similar when it comes to most aspects, but one defining factor is secondary school education.
According to the latest Scottish Government statistics, 64% of pupils from Banchory Academy secured five or more Highers in 2021.
Different schools data available
That is the second-highest in the north and north-east with only Aberdeen’s Cults Academy being ahead on 78%.
It is a different picture at Turriff Academy with only 24% of youngsters leaving the Victoria Terrace secondary with five or more Highers.
For context, education bosses have said that achieving five or more passes it is not their favourite measure of success.
Aberdeenshire Council have said that the percentage of youngsters moving on to more education, training or work is better.
Neither Banchory or Turriff academies have percentages for this. This is because the sample size was less than five.
But according to the Scottish Government, 96% of pupils in Aberdeenshire went on to education, training or work in 2021.
The people have their say
People in each of the towns have been having their say on the schools and their approaches to education.
One man who lives near Banchory Academy said his children attended the school and would often praise the teaching staff.
He said: “My kids went to Banchory Academy and they did all right.
“I would say you get a varied style and the teachers were well-liked and my kids always said that.”
A former Turriff Academy pupil said that farming is a popular career path.
She said: “With being in Turriff and agriculture some people are going to leave early to go off and farm.
“But the teachers want you to do their exams.
“If you are brought up on a farm you are most likely going to end up farming.”
Education boss believes Highers not measure of success
Vincent Docherty, head of education for Aberdeenshire Council, said they do not read too much into the pass rates of pupils with five or more Highers.
He said they put more emphasis on those who go into work, continuing education or training – positive destinations.
Even without the official figures, we can work out Banchory and Turriff would be closer if measured in that way.
Mr Docherty said: “We no longer measure the success of a school-based on how many pupils leave with five Highers and instead look at the number of young people who go on to a positive destination, and how many continue to engage fully in their chosen path post-school.
“For many of our schools this figure is above 97% and well above the national average.
“This success is testament to the dedication and enthusiasm of colleagues to help young people pursue their dreams and realise their potential.”
Mr Docherty said that for many young people their education “doesn’t end” at school.
He said that many colleges, universities and workplaces are looking for a “broader range” of skills from pupils not just qualifications.
Mr Docherty added that pupils can “enjoy high levels of ongoing success” because they have so many options open to them and not only university.
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