Figures from the 2017 exam diet show pupils from the poorest backgrounds increased their attainment by two percentage points compared with those from the wealthiest areas, where average results stayed unchanged.
It means that those from the richest families still secured about twice as many qualifications as those from the most disadvantaged.
John Swinney, the education secretary, said: “Education is this government’s number one priority and we are investing heavily to ensure every child has an equal chance to succeed.”
He cited education reforms such as Pupil Equity Funding, which gives extra money to schools in deprived areas, as likely to narrow the gap further.
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