Record high for young people in positive destinations

The proportion of young people who enter work, training or further study within nine months of leaving school is now the highest on record.

Official statistics published today show that 93.2% of school pupils had a positive destination nine months after leaving school.

At the same time,  the gap between young people from the most and least deprived communities entering into work, training or study is at its lowest ever, and has more than halved since 2009-10.

The proportion of looked-after children entering further and higher education is now also at a record high. The proportion of looked-after young people in positive destinations nine months after leaving school has increased to 76% over the past five years.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said:

“More young Scots are studying, training or working within nine months of leaving school than ever before. Importantly, that also includes more young Scots from the most deprived communities, with the gap closing significantly over the last decade.

“I am also particularly pleased to see the proportion of looked-after children entering further and higher education at a record high – this is real progress and shows the action we are taking to close the poverty related attainment gap in Scotland is working.

“While the figures published today are extremely encouraging, we know that there is more to do to ensure that all our young people have the opportunity to fulfil their full potential in life and succeed - regardless of their background.”

Background

A positive destination includes higher education, further education, training, employment, voluntary work and activity agreements.

The statistics are available at the following links:

 ‘Summary Statistics for Follow-up Leaver Destinations, No. 1: 2019 Edition’.

‘Education Outcomes for Looked After Children, 2017/18’.

Contact: Richard Clarke - 0131 244 3069