More Edinburgh School Leavers In Positive Destinations

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%.

Commenting, 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.”