The vast majority of school leavers were in work, training or further study within nine months of leaving the classroom last year, a new report has revealed.

According to latest statistics published by the Scottish Government, 93.4 per cent of pupils across East Ayrshire were in a “positive destination” within that timescale – slightly higher than the Scotland-wide figure of 93.2 per cent.

A total of 1,126 school leavers in East Ayrshire, out of a total of 1,206, found work, training or further study within nine months in 2020-21.

The total in East Ayrshire was up from 91 per cent in 2019-20, but slightly lower than the 93.6 per cent recorded in 2018-19, the last school year before Covid struck.
The Scottish figure rose from 92.2 per cent in 2019-20 but dropped very slightly from 93.3 per cent in 2018-19.

The figures also show the gap between school leavers from the most and least deprived areas achieving positive destinations narrowed to a record low of 7.5 per cent last year, meaning a reduction of more than half since 2009/10.Last year saw the highest ever proportion of young people from the most deprived communities going on to positive destinations after completing their secondary education.

Education secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “All children and young people, regardless of their background, should have the opportunities they need to fulfil their potential, so I’m pleased to see a record proportion of school leavers from the most deprived communities going on to positive destinations.

“The statistics show that overall, the percentage of young people in positive destinations nine months after leaving school is also near a record high. Given the very significant challenges posed by the pandemic, this is particularly impressive.

“There is no doubt that Covid will have changed the choices made by some young people and the opportunities available to them. 

“Whatever the pathways, seeing so many school leavers achieving positive destinations is a reflection of their resilience and of the hard work of all those who supported them.”

The East Ayrshire figures on positive destinations for previous school years were as follows: 2017-18 93.4 per cent; 2015-16 90.1 per cent; 2014-15 90.8 per cent ;2013-14 93.5 per cent; 2012-13 93.1 per cent; 2011-12 90.1 per cent.