Tag: Positive Destinations

Positive steps for school leavers

Record number in work, training or further studies

A record high number of young people were in work, training or further study after leaving school last year.

The latest Attainment and Initial Leaver Destinations statistics show 95.7% of those finishing school in the last academic year (2021-22) were progressing their studies or careers within three months of the end of the school year, up from 95.5% the year before. The proportion who were unemployed fell to 3.9% – the lowest since 2009-10.

The gap between school leavers from the most and least deprived areas progressing after school narrowed to a record low of 4.4 percentage points. This gap has reduced by two-thirds compared to 2009-10.

Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “This highlights the achievements of Scotland’s learners – making the transition from school can be a daunting time, so it’s great to see a record number of young people progressing in their studies or careers after leaving school.

“These statistics also demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach to learning through Curriculum for Excellence, which is clearly helping to prepare young people for their futures during a crucial stage of their lives.

“Closing the deprivation gap remains a top priority for us and these statistics show we are continuing to make progress, with the gap between school leavers from the most and least deprived areas in work, training or further study down to a record low.”

Sharon McIntyre, Head of CIAG Operations at Skills Development Scotland (SDS), said: “This is the highest positive destination rate since consistent records began in 2009-10 and it is very encouraging to see that the results continue to move in such a positive direction.

“The progress is testament to the hard work, determination and commitment of Scotland’s young people and of the SDS careers advisers working in partnership with teachers to support pupils throughout their time at school and beyond.” 

Summary Statistics for Attainment and Initial Leaver Destinations 2021-22

Record 91% of college leavers in positive destinations

Minister welcomes figures showing more students are finding work

Higher Education and Further Education Minister Jamie Hepburn has welcomed figures showing the proportion of college leavers going on to positive destinations is at a record high.

Figures from the Scottish Funding Council show that 91% of those completing college courses and leaving the college sector in 2020-2021 were in positive destinations, including further study, training, or employment, within three to six months.

That is an increase of 6.6 percentage points on the previous year.

Of those leaving the college sector, almost half (49.3%) gained employment within three to six months, with over two-fifths (41.7%) going on to further study at university.

The proportion who were unemployed or unavailable to work fell to a record low of 9%, down from 15.6% in 2019-2020.

Higher Education and Further Education Minister Jamie Hepburn said: “It is fantastic that nine out of 10 full-time college leavers are going on to positive destinations.

“These figures clearly show the crucial contribution that Scotland’s colleges make to equipping their students with the skills and training they need to take their next steps.

“The growth in the proportion of college-leavers securing employment, as the job market continues to recover following the pandemic, is an important sign of progress in strengthening Scotland’s economic prosperity.

College Leaver Destinations 2020-21 (sfc.ac.uk)

Education: join a National Discussion

Invitation to ‘work together to drive change’

Children, young people, families and teachers are being invited to join a National Discussion on education.

Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville appealed for fresh, innovative ideas to help to deliver change and drive improvement.

In an update to Parliament on reform plans, Ms Somerville said she wants to encourage the most inclusive ever discussion on education in Scotland, with learners playing a key part in decision-making.

The National Discussion will inform wide-ranging plans, including the creation of three new education bodies and a review of qualifications and assessment.

Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “We want to bring the widest possible range of voices and views into the room. It is our children and young people who hold the biggest stake in our education system. I am determined they will be heard just as strongly across our reform programme. 

“Two decades on from the last national debate on Scottish Education, the time is right to discuss our vision for the education system.

“This is a discussion for everyone, and I have written today to education spokespeople from all parties in this Chamber inviting them to take part. We may not agree on everything but that should never stop us from finding common ground.”

COSLA Children and Young People Spokesperson Councillor Stephen McCabe said: “We are pleased that COSLA will co-convene this discussion with the Scottish Government and look forward to ensuring that children and young people, their families, school staff and wider stakeholders are able to input into this important conversation.”

Deprivation gap at a record low

A record proportion of young people from the most deprived communities are going on to ‘positive destinations’ after leaving school.

Statistics show that 93.2% of pupils overall who left school last year were in a positive destination, including work, training or further study, nine months later. This is up from 92.2% in the previous year and just below the record of 93.3% set in 2017-18.

The gap between school leavers from the most and least deprived areas achieving positive destinations narrowed to a record low of 7.5 percentage points. This gap has now more than halved since 2009-2010.

The statistics also show that a record 31.5% of young people who left school in 2021 were in employment in April 2022, with 40.3% in higher education and 18.3% in further 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 the COVID crisis 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.”

School leaver follow-up destinations.

Closing The Gap: Proportion of pupils in Higher or Further Education reaches record high

93.3% of pupils had a ’positive destination’ including work, training or further study within three months of leaving school last year, official statistics show.

The proportion of school leavers in higher or further education is at a record high, with 72.2% continuing in education in 2019-20, up from 67.6% in 2018-19.

The statistics highlight the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, with the fall in positive destinations from 95.0% last year mostly driven by a decrease in leavers going into work.

The figures also show that for National Qualifications:

  • The proportion of school leavers with one pass or more at SCQF Level 5 (e.g. National 5) or better is 85.7%. In 2009-10 the proportion was 77.1%.
  • The proportion of school leavers with one pass or more at SCQF Level 6 (e.g. Higher) or better is 63.9%. In 2009-10 the proportion was 50.4%

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “Despite the challenges of COVID-19, it is heartening to see a continued high proportion of our pupils in positive destinations after leaving school, with a record percentage continuing in further and higher education.

“This year’s statistics clearly highlight the impact of the pandemic on young people, with a sizeable decrease in those entering employment reflecting the limited opportunities in the labour market. We are providing direct support to those affected through the Young Person’s Guarantee which gives every 16-24 year old a job, placement, training or volunteering opportunity.

“The data shows increases in the proportion of school leavers gaining one pass or more at SCQF Level 5 or better, SCQF Level 6 or better and SCQF Level 7. We also see a welcome increase in school leavers choosing vocational qualifications to develop wider skills for the world of work, with more than a fifth (22.5 per cent) now achieving one or more vocational qualification at SCQF Level 5 or better, compared to 7.3 per cent in 2013/14.

“Closing the poverty-related attainment gap and giving every young person the chance to fulfil their full potential, regardless of their background, remains our defining mission.

“This commitment is a long-term one, and we know the closure of schools and the cancellation of last year’s exams due to COVID-19 has impacted our progress and made that task harder.

“While official measures of the attainment gap rose slightly over the year, the proportion of leavers from the most deprived areas gaining one pass or more at a given level or better rose at most SCQF levels and the attainment gap is much smaller than it was in 2009/10.

“Over the last 10 years we have seen the gap close significantly at most SCQF levels with the difference in the proportion of school leavers achieving a pass at SCQF Level 6 (Higher or equivalent) or better among those from the least and most deprived areas decreasing by 9.6 percentage points compared to 2009/10.

“We have committed over £300 million in education recovery over this year and next, including to recruit additional teachers and support staff and address digital exclusion. and I am determined to continue to support our young people through these unprecedented times.”

Summary Statistics for Attainment and Initial Leaver Destinations 2021

More city school leavers in positive destinations

A record proportion of school leavers were in a ‘positive destination’ such as study, work or training about three months after leaving school last year.

Figures show that 95% of young people were in a positive destination, with the gap between those from the most and least deprived communities achieving a positive destination the lowest since 2009-10.

The statistics also show that:

  • more than 85% of school leavers achieve at least one pass at SCQF 5 or better. In 2006-07 the proportion was 71.1%
  • the proportion of school leavers with one or more pass at SCQF 6 or better is 60.5%. In 2006-07 the proportion was 41.6%
  • the proportion of school leavers achieving vocational awards has increased to 17%, giving them skills they need for entering the workplace. The achievement of these awards has increased for school leavers every year since 2013-14

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “For the ninth consecutive year, more young Scots are in study, training or work three months after leaving school than ever before. Moreover, the gap between the richest and poorest communities for those moving into a positive destination continues to narrow.

“This demonstrates that Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) is delivering one of the ultimate aims of school education – to secure a positive next step in learning, life and work for our young people.

“Compared with the previous year, there has been a slight fall in attainment for school leavers who achieved one or more national qualifications. In any high performing system there will be fluctuation, however over time the percentage of school leavers achieving one or more pass at National 5 and Higher level has improved substantially.

“We have commissioned the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to carry out an independent review of the curriculum. The review will look carefully at achievement in the senior phase so that we can improve further.”

Alma Harris, a member of the International Council of Education Advisers (ICEA), said at the ICEA biannual meeting last week: “The Scottish system is doing everything that we would expect a high performing system to do. It has all the right components, it’s investing in the right places.

“What we are seeing is incremental growth. And, as a council, we’re very confident that that incremental growth bodes well for the future.

“The focus on equity and excellence is, without question, the right focus. The way in which the system has been empowered, to develop itself into a high performing system, is also to be commended.”

The official statistics can be found here.

City SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald has welcomed new figures showing more Edinburgh school leavers are in study, work or training than a decade ago.

Across Scotland, a record proportion of young people were in a positive destination three months after leaving school last year. The gap between those from the most and least deprived communities achieving a positive destination the lowest since 2009-10.

In Edinburgh, the number of unemployed school leavers seeking work fell from 15% in 2009/10 to 3% in 2018/19.

Over the same time period the number of school leavers going directly to higher education rose from 37% to 43%.

SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald said: “It is very welcome that significantly more young people in Edinburgh are going on to positive destinations such as work and study straight from school.

“For the ninth consecutive year, more young Scots are in study, training or work three months after leaving school than ever before.

“It’s particularly welcome that the gap between the richest and poorest communities, for those moving into a positive destination, continues to narrow.

“This demonstrates that Curriculum for Excellence is delivering one of the ultimate aims of school education – to secure a positive next step in learning, life and work for our young people.”

For some, however, it’s a case of ‘Could Do Better’ – particularly for children with additional support needs.

Commenting on the Scottish Government’s statistics for attainment and initial leaver destinations for secondary pupils (2018/19), a spokesperson for the Scottish Children’s Services Coalition – an alliance of independent and third sector service providers – said: “We are deeply concerned about falling attainment levels for those with additional support needs such as autism, dyslexia and mental health problems.

“While 91 per cent of those with ASN had one pass or more at SCQF Level 4 or better in 2017/18, this had reduced to 90.7 per cent in 2018/19. For those with one or more pass at SCQF Level 5 or better this had fallen from 70.4 per cent to 69.8 per cent. And for those with one or more pass at SCQF Level 6 this had fallen from 39.5 per cent to 39.3 per cent.

“The attainment gap between those with ASN and those with no ASN has increased from 7.3 per cent for 2017/18 to 7.6 per cent in 2018/19 for those with one or more pass at SCQF Level 4 or better and from 21.8 per cent to 22.4 per cent for those with one or more pass at SCQF Level 5 or better. It has dropped from 31.9 per cent to 31.2 per cent for those with 1 or more pass at SCQF Level 6 or better.

“It is deeply disappointing to see this fall in attainment level for those with ASN and that the attainment gap is opening between those with ASN and no ASN in some categories.

“Along with the National Deaf Children’s Society, the National Autistic Society Scotland, and Royal Blind we recently made a call for increased resourcing in the Scottish Government Budget to support those with ASN.

“While the numbers of those with ASN has risen by more than 82 per cent since 2012, amounting to just under a third of the pupil population, it is alarming that spend per pupil with ASN has fallen by more than 26 per cent over this same period.

“It is vital that those with ASN get the care and support they need in order to give them the best possible start in life and close the educational attainment gap.

“Too many pupils with additional support needs are missing out on the specialist support they require because of budget cuts at a time of increasing need.

“This is clearly challenging in an environment of austerity, however, the cost to society in the long term if adequate resourcing is not provided will far outweigh any potential savings made today.”

Closing the Gap: Record number of school leavers reach a ‘positive destination’

Deprivation gap in positive destinations falls by half

94.4% of pupils had a ’positive destination’ including work, training or further study within three months of leaving school last year, official statistics show.

The figures also reveal that the gap between those from the most and least deprived communities achieving a positive destination has halved since 2009/10, with an increase in positive destinations for school leavers from both backgrounds.

Over the same period there have been increases at all levels of attainment – the qualifications young people are achieving.

For the first time more than 30% of pupils left school with a minimum of five passes at Higher Level or better, up from 22.2% in 2009/10. The gap between those from the most and least deprived areas achieving a pass at Higher Level or better is now at a record low, reducing for the eighth successive year.

In addition, more young people are choosing to remain at school, with almost two thirds leaving in S6.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “These welcome statistics show that more young Scots are studying, training or working within three months of leaving school than ever before. And, the gap between the richest and poorest communities for those getting into one of these positive destinations is now half what it was. That is real world progress in tackling an age old problem.

“They also show pupils are generally staying at school for longer and gaining more qualifications between fourth and sixth year. I am particularly pleased to see the attainment gap between school leavers achieving a pass at Higher Level or better is at a record low.

“At National 4 and 5 level, however, the attainment gap has remained broadly flat over the last two years which reflects the distance we know we have to go and why we are investing more than £180 million through the Scottish Attainment Challenge in 2019/20 alone.

“The figures published today are encouraging but we know there is more to do to raise attainment and ensure all our young people have the very best chance to build the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to succeed – regardless of their background.”

The 2009/10 summary statistics for attainment and initial leaver destinations are the earliest comparable figures to those published today.

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