The proportion of school leavers in a “positive destination” nine months after the end of the academic year is at its highest level since records began in 2009, new data shows.
National statistics published on Tuesday showed 93.5 per cent of 2021-22 leavers were in a positive follow-up destination, up from 93.2 per cent for 2020-21 leavers.
The Scottish government defines a positive destination as further or higher education, training or employment, although concerns have been expressed over the years about some kinds of work included in the school leaver statistics.
While the new figures show the picture nine months after students have left school, data is also published annually on positive destinations after three months.
Among the latest cohort, 31.8 per cent were in employment, the highest proportion since comparable data was first gathered in 2009.
At 37.7 per cent, higher education remained the most likely destination, although the figure had fallen from 40.3 per cent the previous year.
Meanwhile, the gap between those in the most- and least-deprived areas reaching positive destinations was at its narrowest since 2009, at seven percentage points.
Education secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “I am greatly encouraged to see we have a record number of young people in work, training or further study less than a year after leaving school. These figures are testament to the hard work of learners across the country.
“We know the pandemic had a significant impact on our education system, but Scotland’s teachers and support staff are clearly preparing young learners for the next stage in life very well, whether that be work or further study.”
Ms Gilruth added: “This government has prioritised tackling the gap in achievement between the most- and least-deprived areas, so I am heartened to see this gap continuing to close.
“As we start to embark on a programme of education reform in the months ahead, it is clear that we will be building on a very strong platform.”
