According to recent data, more West Dunbartonshire students are leaving school and going in a positive direction.

In 2021/22, 95.11% of students left school in order to pursue employment, further or higher education, training, volunteer work, or other personal development activities.

It represents a 4.12% improvement over the figures from the prior year, and a report given this week to the Council’s Educational Services committee credited an action plan implemented last year with partners for improving performance.

West Dunbartonshire has the highest percentage of school leavers who pursue higher education (36.19%), who are closely followed by students who pursue additional education (27.93%).

A further 25% enter the workforce, while 5% pursue higher education.

“Our dedicated staff and teachers work tirelessly to ensure that our young people are well equipped with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to continue their development after leaving West Dunbartonshire schools,” said Councillor Clare Steel, Convener of Educational Services. Although the epidemic caused a lot of difficulties for our students and school graduates, efforts with local and national partners to provide them with specialised support and guidance have certainly been successful and have contributed to their success.

“The increase in students going to good places is fantastic news, and I know the comprehensive action plan will ensure we can move forward in this area.”

“It is so encouraging to see that our young people are being encouraged to take what they have learned during their schooling and apply it in the outside world, whether that be at university, in the workplace, or with further training,” added Councillor John Millar, Vice Convener of Educational Services.

This shows the importance of working together to give our children the best start in life and to show them that there are numerous routes to success.