A RECORD number of young people in Inverclyde are in work, training or continued education after finishing school.

Latest figures for 2022/23 show that 96.4 per cent of secondary pupils moved into ‘positive destinations’ upon completion of their studies.

Inverclyde has the joint-ninth best rate in the country and is above the Scottish average of 95.9.

It is the area’s highest ‘positive destinations’ figure since records began in 2009/10.

There are also zero ‘unknown’ – students whose destinations are unaccounted for when they leave school – for the thirteenth consecutive year.

Councillor Jim Clocherty, Inverclyde Council’s convener of education and communities, said: “This is a fantastic result for our schools, teaching staff and, most importantly, our young people.

“Ensuring our children and young people have the best start in life and the opportunity to fulfil their potential is at the very heart of what we, as an education authority, are striving to do.

“We have provided our staff and young people with arguably the best teaching and learning facilities in the country but these positive figures are a reflection of the hard work by our staff and pupils day in, day out and they deserve a huge amount of credit.”

In total, there were 806 Inverclyde school leavers in 2022/23 with over 40 per cent going on to higher education, 27 per cent entering further education, almost 21 per cent gaining employment, and 5.3 per cent undertaking training.

Sharon McIntyre, Head of Career Information, Advice and Guidance Operations at Skills Development Scotland (SDS), said: “It’s hugely encouraging to see Inverclyde achieve its highest percentage of leavers in a positive destination since consistent records began in 2009/10. 

“This progress is testament to the hard work, determination, and commitment of Scotland’s young people and of the SDS careers advisers working in partnership with teachers throughout the Inverclyde area to support pupils throughout their time at school and beyond.”  

The previous record was in 2020 when 95.8 per cent of students moved into ‘positive destinations’.

The latest report is available on the Scottish Government website at www.gov.scot/news/school-leavers-set-another-record-high/.