Jobs for school leavers soaring
More than 1,800 school leavers in Renfrewshire are now working or are in further education, new figures have revealed.
A total of 96.6 per cent of school leavers are in positive destinations, according to new statistics from the Scottish Government.
In neighbouring East Renfrewshire, the total is 98.4 per cent – 1,408 school pupils.
Last year saw the highest number of young people across Scotland in work, education or further training after leaving school since records began.
Of these leavers, a record 25.1 per cent 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.
Commenting on the latest statistics, Tom Arthur, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire South, said: “These recordbreaking figures show that the Scottish Government’s education recovery plan is working and young people in Renfrewshire South are continuing to succeed despite unprecedented challenges in recent years.
“Figures also show progress in closing the poverty-related gap.
“These numbers are a testament to the dedication of all Renfrewshire South’s teachers, parents and young people. These numbers don’t lie. SNP action is delivering in Scottish education, and it is right that all parties celebrate our school leavers’ success.”
£500 to winner
The lucky winner of the £500 jackpot prize in this week’s Accord Lottery was ticket number 48628 from Paisley.
A further 40 ticket holders won a £5 prize each and they were the following numbers: 10538 10959 12358 12700 15746 18619 21661 25009 25558 27445 27918 36040 36186 38008 38427 38477 39294 39798 40158 41589 42503 42652 42747 43641 44091 45470 45542 46150 47340 47342 47373 47510 47604 47892 48075 48661 49338 49783 49913 1500087
There was no winner of the rollover jackpot which means next week’s prize pot will be a huge £1,700.