EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE TOPS TABLE OF SCHOOL LEAVERS IN POSITIVE DESTINATIONS

RECORD 98.9% IN LOCAL AREA IN WORK OR FURTHER EDUCATION

A record number of school leavers from East Dunbartonshire are in positive destinations, according to new statistics from the Scottish Government.

The local area topped the table of the 32 local authority areas across Scotland, with an incredible 98.9% of leavers - 1,412 from a total of 1,427 - heading to work, education or further training after leaving school.

Indeed, last year saw the highest number of young people across Scotland in positive destinations since records began.

Of these school leavers, a record 25.1% had secured employment - the highest number since records began.

The statistics also show a further reduction in the overall attainment gap across Scotland, with the gap between school leavers from the most and least deprived areas progressing after school narrowing to a record low of 4.4 percentage points.

Strathkelvin and Bearsden MSP Rona Mackay said: “These record-breaking figures show that the Scottish Government’s education recovery plan is working and young people in East Dunbartonshire are continuing to succeed despite unprecedented challenges in recent years.

“Education is a clear priority for this SNP Scottish Government, and I am absolutely delighted that 98.9% of young people in East Dunbartonshire have secured a place in further education or employment three months after leaving school - topping the table of the 32 local authority areas in Scotland."

“These encouraging numbers are a testament to the hard work and dedication of all East Dunbartonshire teachers, parents and, of course, young people, and is something everyone in the community should be proud of.

“These figures also show good progress in closing the poverty-related gap – with those from the least and most deprived areas going onto a positive destination at a record-low.

“Opposition parties want to downplay our young people’s achievements, but these numbers don’t lie. SNP action is delivering in Scottish Education, and it is right that all parties celebrate our school leavers’ success.”