Flexibility at Clyde Valley High in Wishaw, where 34 per cent of pupils qualify for free meals, means an alternative curriculum to stave off disaffection in S3 and S4. Ian Sommerville, the head, said the school offered outdoor education-type activities for some, car mechanics and painting for another group, careers guidance for others and basic certificates in food hygiene for home economics pupils.

In S5 and S6, links with Motherwell College meant first aid certificates for all in sixth year as part of the personal and social education course, Higher psychology for some and care, construction and drama courses for others. “The impact on the young people involved has been very positive. It has been immensely powerful and I look forward to seeing this developed a lot further,” Mr Sommerville said.