Initial Destinations of Senior Phase School Leavers

Scotland’s Chief Statistician today published information on the initial destinations of senior phase school leavers.

The results show that in 2016/17, 93.7% of senior phase school leavers were in a positive initial destination, an increase from 93.3% in 2015/16. The percentage of leavers in a positive initial destination has increased year on year for a six year period from 2011/12 when 90.1% of leavers were in a positive destination.

Over a six year period, the percentage of senior phase school leavers continuing their education in Higher Education has increased from 37.8% in 2011/12 to 40.7% in 2016/17. Over the same period, the percentage of leavers continuing their education in Further Education has remained broadly constant (26.7% in 2011/12 and 26.8% in 2016/17) and the percentage in training has fallen (4.5% in 2011/12 to 2.4% in 2016/17). The percentage of leavers in employment has remained broadly constant (at approximately 22%) since 2013/14.

There has been a year on year reduction in the percentage of leavers who are unemployed and seeking work or training over the six year period (from 8.2% in 2011/12 to 4.5% in 2016/17).

For school leavers living in the most deprived areas, the percentage in a positive initial destination has increased from 83.9% in 2011/12 to 89.6% in 2016/17. For school leavers living in the least deprived areas, the percentage in a positive destination has increased from 95.1% in 2011/12 to 96.6% in 2016/17.

The figures released today were produced in accordance with professional standards set out in the Code of Practice for Official Statistics.

Background

The Initial Destinations of Senior Phase School Leavers publication presents data on initial destinations of leavers from local authority and grant aided schools in Scotland. Data is only presented for pupils leaving during the senior phase (S4-S6) and does not include pupils attending special schools.

For the purposes of this publication, school leavers who are engaged in higher education, further education, training, voluntary work, employment and activity agreements are classified as having a positive destination.

The data presented in this publication provides information on the outcomes for young people as recorded in October 2017, approximately three months after leaving school.

Official statistics are produced in accordance with professional standards.