East Ayrshire ranks fourth in Scotland for positive outcomes

Figures released by the Scottish Government for 2024/25 show that 96.4 per cent of school leavers in the area are moving on to education, training, or employment - East Ayrshire’s best result to date.

The council attributes the result to its innovative approach to supporting young people, particularly those not engaged in mainstream education.

Councillor Elaine Cowan, the council’s education spokesperson, said: "To be named fourth in Scotland is an incredible achievement for East Ayrshire and I would like to thank everyone from our education and employability teams, our external partners, and our local employers who have all worked together to help ensure that young people throughout East Ayrshire can reach their full potential and achieve the best outcome possible."

Its Skills and Learning 33 (SL33) delivery model focuses on developing essential work skills and includes workplace learning, communication, creativity, and teamwork.

(Image: David Gordon)

Young people also benefit from work tasters, placements, employer mentoring, and 'meet the employer' sessions.

Cllr Cowan added: "This isn’t about numbers though – this is about young people and about achieving our aims of building a fairer economy."

Linda McAulay-Griffiths, director of education and skills, said: "I am delighted to see such positive outcomes for the young people of East Ayrshire reflected in these figures and our positioning nationally."

In June last year, the council merged its employability service with education, creating a combined model now operating in Kilmarnock, Galston, Netherthird, and Dalmellington.

Margorie Harvie, employability manager, said: "In East Ayrshire we pride ourselves on working collaboratively to achieve the best possible outcomes for our young people, our communities and businesses.

"The skills and learning model is clearly making the most of every opportunity to bring in the best possible help and advice to boost people's lives, prosperity and businesses."