OVER 95.4% OF SCHOOL LEAVERS IN POSITIVE DESTINATIONS

2,092 YOUNG PEOPLE FROM MIDLOTHIAN AND EAST LOTHIAN HEADED TO WORK OR FURTHER EDUCATION  
  
95.4% of school leavers from Midlothian and 95.6% of school leavers from East Lothian are in positive destinations, according to new statistics from the Scottish Government.  
  
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 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.  
  
Commenting on the latest statistics, Colin Beattie said: 
  
“These record-breaking figures show that the Scottish Government’s education recovery plan is working and young people in Midlothian and East Lothian are continuing to succeed despite unprecedented challenges in recent years. 
  
“Education is a clear priority for this SNP Scottish Government, and I am delighted that 2,092 young people in Midlothian and East Lothian have secured a place in further education or employment three months after leaving school. 
  
“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. 
  
“These encouraging numbers are a testament to the hard work and dedication of all Midlothian and East Lothian’s teachers, parents and, of course, young people, and is something everyone in the community should be proud of.  
  
“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.” ​