South Ayrshire Council is delighted to announce that we have been ranked first place in Scotland for positive school leaver destinations.
Figures from the School Leaver Destination Report (SLDR) show that an exceptional 98.7% of pupils across South Ayrshire advance from school to a positive destination, compared to the national average of 95.7%. This is the second time that South Ayrshire has been placed first in Scotland for this achievement since 2022.
We are dedicated to providing a high standard of education, support and essential life skills to our young people, ensuring that school leavers are fully equipped to start their next chapter upon leaving school. We are delighted that our performance has once again been recognised, being ranked as the top in Scotland.
Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Martin Dowey, said: “Nowadays there are so many options available for young people when they leave school, but it can still be a nerve-wracking process deciding which path to take. It’s important that pupils are given the guidance and advice to help them make the right choices, while making sure that they feel supported throughout the process. This result is testament to that, and I’m delighted that so many of our young people have progressed positively.”
South Ayrshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Education, Councillor William Grant, said: “Education is no longer solely about preparing pupils for University, as there are now many more fantastic opportunities available which cater to each individuals’ passions and life goals. Our staff do an outstanding job by connecting with our young people to highlight the range of choices on offer, ensuring that they are able to make an informed decision about their future.
“The School Leaver Destination Report has awarded us an outstanding result which reflects the efforts of those working in our Education and Thriving Communities service areas to fully support our young people across South Ayrshire. I’m incredibly proud that we have been ranked in first place out of 32 local authorities once again.”
South Ayrshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, Councillor Bob Pollock, said: “The annual School Leaver Destination Report is a key measurement of our performance in supporting young people at a crucial stage in their lives. This year’s result has recognised the continued commitment and hard work of our staff, in addition to the partnership working with Ayrshire College and Skills Development Scotland to achieve this.
“There are a diverse range of career pathways available to young people, allowing them to utilise not only their knowledge, but also their valuable skill sets, and I’m proud that we’re providing pupils with the right guidance and information to enable them to achieve their best.”