Record breaking positive school leaver destination figures for Glasgow's young people

Published: 1 March 2023

Glasgow's senior pupils have recorded their 'best ever' positive destination figures with a record 97.1% young people leaving school last year to go to either higher and further education, employment, or training.

The data, released annually by Skills Development Scotland (SDS), highlight that the figures, for the second year in a row are above the national average of 95.7%.

Four of Glasgow's schools - Lochend High, St Roch's Secondary, Glasgow Gaelic Secondary and Hyndland Secondary - have achieved 100% destinations for their senior phase pupils.

Councillor Christina Cannon, City Convener for Education, Communities and Equalities is so proud of Glasgow's schools and head office staff who have supported young people to achieve Glasgow's 'best ever' positive school destination figures.

Councillor Cannon said: "Glasgow's positive destination figures are just great to see and especially after the last three very challenging years and the impact the pandemic has had on our young people.

"Not only are we above the national average for the second year in a row at 97.1% and with more of our young people than ever before going on to positive destinations, but this year the stats show that four schools - Glasgow Gaelic School; Hyndland Secondary; Lochend High and St. Roch's Secondary - have recorded 100% positive destinations.

"With several of our secondary schools recording above the national average - this is amazing news for our young people, their schools, and their families.

"I am so proud of our senior pupils, the schools and HQ staff who have helped make this a reality today - their resilience and dedication has paid off.

"What we are celebrating today is all destinations and pathways - that is what is important - what is right for each pupil.

"Our young people deserve the very best opportunities and the skill set to make the right choices now and in the future.

"Glasgow's schools and staff are delivering for our young people."

Sharon Kelly, Head of Operations West at Skills Development Scotland (SDS) who collate the annual data, said: "It's hugely encouraging to see Glasgow City achieve its highest ever positive destination rate for a second year running.

"Senior phase pupils in Glasgow City have demonstrated great resilience after the disruption of the last few years and I'm delighted that their hard work and commitment have paid off."

Examples of work carried out by schools to support young people into positive destinations

• Developing Young Workforce (DYW) Coordinators in every Secondary School -funded by Young Person Guarantee to develop the Young Workforce, S1 - S6 and year after leaving school.
• Towards Better Futures Next Steps programme developed and delivered for leavers previously disengaged. Developed to enable YP to engage in Vocational /employability programmes delivered by Partner organisations throughout Glasgow
• Developed and delivering Routes to Awards and Destinations programme - For disengaged young people still on the school roll, to engage young people who are likely to leave to a negative destination and support them to raise their awareness, aspirations and qualifications to enter and sustain a positive qualification.
• Support for vulnerable young people in College- College mentor based in each Glasgow college to support sustainability of Glasgow young people • Extended On Route Programme (Formerly Activity Agreement) - Intense one to one support for young people who have difficulty entering a positive destination.