In North Ayrshire, 95.2% pupils (1,375) were in a ‘positive destination’ including work, training or further study within three months of leaving school in 2020/21.
This is an increase from the 92.4% last year, which represented 1,258 pupils.
Latest figures also show 45.1% of school leavers went on to higher education courses at college or university - the highest since records began in 2009/10.
The gap between those from the most and least deprived communities achieving a positive destination was the lowest since 2009/10.
The statistics show that for National Qualifications:
87.7% of school leavers achieved at least one pass at SCQF Level 5 (eg National 5) or better – up from 85.7% in 2019/20 and 77.1% in 2009/10
66% achieved at least one pass at SCQF Level 6 (eg Higher) or better - up from 63.9% in 2019/20 and 50.4% in 2009/10.
The gap narrowed between the proportion of pupils from the most and least deprived areas leaving school with at least one pass at SCQF Levels 4, 5 and 6 or better.
The proportion of school leavers achieving vocational awards to support them into the workplace continued to increase.
Kenneth Gibson MSP said:
“I’m delighted that 95.2% of pupils across North Ayrshire are going on to positive destinations – whether that be work, training or further study.
“The transition for young people from school to adulthood is vital and the SNP’s is committed to getting this right for every young person across Scotland, no matter what their background.
“Whether through the Attainment Challenge Fund and the Pupil Equity Fund, free tuition, or introducing the back-to-work Jobs Grant for people aged 16 to 24: the SNP Government is taking actions to prioritise young people in North Ayrshire.
“Despite the major upset young people have suffered because of the pandemic, the SNP Government continues to succeed in its drive give young people across our country the best start in life.”
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