20 March 2020

Aberdeenshire school leavers continue to find positive destinations

The percentage of school leavers in Aberdeenshire who have found employment or embarked on further or higher education courses has continued to rise, members of the council’s Education and Children’s Services Committee heard.

In 2018/2019 there were 2,620 school leavers from Aberdeenshire schools with a total 96.4% finding ‘positive destinations’, a slight increase compared with 2017/2018 and nearly one percent higher than 2016/2017. ‘Positive destinations’ include young people finding work or continuing studies in further or higher education.

The committee heard how the percentage of care experienced young people achieving ‘positive destinations’ is particularly high with 94.9% starting new jobs or further or higher education studies in 2018/2019, which compares with 70.7% in 2016/2017, a 24.2% increase.

Cllr Gillian Owen, Aberdeenshire Council’s Education and Children’s Services Committee chair, said: “One of the most rewarding aspects of chairing the Education and Children’s Services Committee is hearing about young people from all walks of life either taking their first steps in the world of work or continuing with their studies to assist them with fulfilling their ambitions.

“I would like to pay tribute to all the hard work from teachers, parents and the young people themselves to achieve these positive figures. There is nothing more pleasing for me to see young people thriving and succeeding in Aberdeenshire’s schools.”

Committee vice chair, Cllr Rosemary Bruce, added: “I have been thoroughly delighted to read about the initiatives put in place by Children’s Services outlined in this report that has led to the significant rise in care experienced young people embarking on positive destinations. Many congratulations to everyone who has played a part in achieving this outcome.

“It is hugely pleasing to note the impact of the partnership work carried out by Developing the Young Workforce which has resulted in a huge rise in the number of Foundation Apprenticeships in Aberdeenshire.”

The committee agreed to consider and provide comments on the analysis of initial school leavers’ destinations which will assist with meeting the council’s priority to provide the best life chances for all our children and young people by raising levels of attainment and achievement.

Members also made suggestions on how young people can be supported once they have left school.

To read the report in full please visit https://committees.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/committees.aspx?commid=494&meetid=19407