Perthshire North MSP, Mr John Swinney, has today welcomed news that a record 96.5% of pupils across Perth and Kinross were in a ‘positive destination’ within three months of leaving school last year.

Latest figures show that 1417 school leavers from Perth and Kinross went on to work, training or further study.

Across Scotland, a record 95.5% of all pupils went on to a ‘positive destination’ last year. The statistics show 45.1% going on to higher education courses – the highest number since records began in 2009-10 – and the lowest gap between the most and least deprived communities achieving a positive destination since 2009-10.

Commenting, Mr Swinney said:

“I’m delighted that such a high proportion of pupils across the region 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 is committed to getting this right for every young person across Scotland, no matter what their background.

“Whether it’s investing in tackling the poverty-related attainment gap, free tuition, or introducing the back-to-work Jobs Grant for people aged 16 to 24, the SNP in Government is taking actions to support and improve the prospects of young people across the nation.

“While opposition parties continue to paint a bleak picture of what young people in Scotland are achieving, the reality is that, despite the impact of Covid-19, real progress is being made as a result of the SNP’s determination to give young people across our country the best start in life.”