Good news for school leavers

More than 93% of school leavers across North Lanarkshire were in a “positive destination” nine months later, according to new statistics.

New figures from the Scottish Government show that 3695 leavers from the area’s schools – a total of 93.1 per cent – went on to work, training or further study.

Across Scotland, 93.2% per cent of pupils were in a positive destination after leaving last year, up from 92.2 per cent 12 months earlier.

These figures also show that a record number of children from deprived backgrounds went on to positive destinations.

The gap between school leavers from the most and least deprived areas achieving positive destinations narrowed to a record low of 7.5 per cent, meaning the gap has now halved since 2009-2010.

Airdrie & Shotts MSP Neil Gray is delighted to see so many young people leaving school and heading on to positive destinations.

He told the Advertiser: “It is brilliant to see 93.1 per cent of pupils across North Lanarkshire are going on to work, training or further study.

“This is due, in large part, to the fantastic teaching and support staff in our local schools, something I have witnessed on my recent visits.”

Heaping praise on pupils’ progress, he added: “After what has been a significantly challenging couple of years for our young people, credit must be given to them for overcoming the challenges, and for their the hard work and that of all those who have supported them.

“I am grateful that the SNP Scottish Government is ensuring that strong action is being taken to fulfil our commitment to getting it right our every child, providing the support and environment to give all our young people the best possible chance to succeed – no matter what their background.”