New statistics have shown 95.7% of pupils across East Renfrewshire were in a ‘positive destination’ within nine months of leaving school last year.
That equates to 1,381 school leavers from East Renfrewshire in work, training or further study.
Across Scotland, 93.2% of pupils were in a positive destination within 9 months, up from 92.2% in the previous year. 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 percentage points last year, meaning a reduction of more than half since 2009/10. In fact, 2020/21 saw the highest ever proportion of young people from the most deprived communities going on to positive destinations after completing their secondary education.
Commenting, Tom Arthur, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire South said:
“It is brilliant to see 95.7% of pupils across East Renfrewshire are going on to positive destinations – whether that be work, training or further study.
“After the significant challenges of the last few years all credit must be given to our young people and those supporting them for the positive outcomes they have achieved.
“The Scottish Government has been proactive in our approach and ensured our commitment to ‘Get It Right For Every Child’ is fulfilled, providing the support and resources necessary to give all of our young people the best possible chance to succeed – no matter their background.
“From investing in tackling the poverty-related attainment gap, free tuition, or introducing the back-to-work Jobs Grant for people aged 16 to 24 – the Scottish Government is taking action to prioritise young people in East Renfrewshire, and across every area of the Country.
“While opposition parties give our young people’s achievements no credence, the reality is that real and meaningful progress is being made, as a result of this Scottish Government’s action. The fact remains that one of the largest barriers standing in the way of Scotland’s future prospects, is being tied to an out-of-touch and uncaring Westminster Government, intent on holding us back.”