SCHOOL LEAVERS ACROSS THE LOTHIANS HEADING FOR WORK OR STUDY

School leavers in Midlothian and East Lothian continue to go on to positive destinations after finishing secondary school – with the latest figures showing 94% of youngsters in East Lothian and 94.7% of youngsters in Midlothian going into further or higher education, employment or training three months after leaving school.
 
The total across Scotland has risen from 93.3% last year to 93.7% this year – showing that even more young people are finding fulfilling opportunities after leaving school.
 
In East Lothian, the percentage of people going on to positive destinations has gone from 88.4% in 2011/12 to 94.0% this year – an increase of 5.6%. Of those in positive destinations, 40% are at University and 24% are at college, while 26% are in employment and 2% are in training.

In Midlothian, the percentage of people going on to positive destinations has gone from 85.8% in 2011/12 to 94.7% this year – an increase of 8.9%. Of those in positive destinations, 31% are at University and 28% are at college, while 30% are in employment and 2% are in training.
 
Commenting on the latest stats, SNP MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh Colin Beattie said:
 
“The Scottish Government continues to make education its priority this parliament – and these figures reflect just how important SNP action on education is for our young people.
 
“Being able to go on to a positive destination after leaving school – whether that is college, university, work or training – is a great boost for young people across the Lothians, improving their self-confidence and setting them up to make positive contributions to our communities as adults.
 
“That more young people across East Lothian and Midlothian are going on to positive destinations this year than previously – up from 88.4% to 94% and 85.8% to 94.7%, respectively, over the last six years – is fantastic news for our local communities..
 
“Our young people need fulfilling work, study or training after leaving school to help ensure they don’t get left behind – and these positive figures for Midlothian, East Lothian and across Scotland show that they are benefitting from exactly that.”