Attainment hole widens in Scottish faculties

The attainment hole between Scotland’s richest and poorest college pupils elevated final yr, in keeping with new figures.

The Scottish authorities has mentioned since 2015 that closing this hole – between the extent of nationwide {qualifications} obtained by youngsters from probably the most prosperous and the least prosperous areas – is its precedence.

However the most recent figures present the distinction has widened for pupils sitting Nationwide 4s, Nationwide 5s and Highers.

The Scottish authorities mentioned it was happy that the overwhelming majority of faculty leavers have been happening to constructive locations resembling faculty and college.

The attainment hole between the proportion of faculty leavers from probably the most and least disadvantaged areas who had one cross or extra in Nationwide 5s or equal {qualifications} was 22.7% final yr – up from 20.2% in 2022/23.

The hole within the proportion of faculty leavers who achieved one cross or extra in Highers or equal {qualifications} was 38.4% in 2023/24, up from 36.9% the earlier yr.

The figures additionally present that 8,084 pupils left college after S4. That accounted for about one in seven of these leaving college, and was the best quantity since 2010.

The proportion of pupils who left college final yr with a number of cross at Nationwide 5s, or equal and a number of cross at Larger stage or equal has additionally dropped.

Final yr 83.5% of faculty leavers had one cross or extra at Nationwide 5 stage, whereas 57.4% had one cross or extra at Larger stage. Each have been decrease than in 2022/23.

Professor Lindsay Paterson, from Edinburgh College, mentioned the closure of colleges throughout the Covid pandemic was one purpose for the attainment hole getting worse in Scotland.

“Not like in England and different international locations, there has by no means been a correct programme of academic restoration right here,” he instructed BBC Scotland Information.

“The hurt is biggest to these youngsters who haven’t been in a position to get assist at house, or whose dad and mom cannot afford to pay for further tutoring.

“However behind it is a deeper downside. The Scottish authorities has by no means had a coherent technique for coping with the tutorial results of poverty.”

He added that there was nothing intrinsically unsuitable with pupils leaving after S4 so long as they’ve one thing worthwhile to go to.

Slightly below 56,000 younger folks left college final yr – the best quantity since 2010.

Greater than 95% of them went on to constructive vacation spot resembling college, faculty, employment, some coaching and voluntary work. This was barely decrease than the earlier yr however one of many highest ranges since 2010.

Greater than 67% of faculty leavers final yr have been in greater or additional training three months later.

Schooling Secretary Jenny Gilruth mentioned the federal government was dedicated to enhancing outcomes for younger folks.

She mentioned: “It’s extremely welcome to see the overwhelming majority of faculty leavers in Scotland persevering with to enter a constructive vacation spot on leaving college, with the share of these in a constructive vacation spot after three months (95.7%) being the second highest since data started.

“These outcomes are testomony to the exhausting work of the younger folks and all those that assist them.”

Scottish Conservative training spokesman Miles Briggs mentioned: “After years of insisting that training is their precedence, the SNP have been lacking in motion whereas ministers have let down pupils and academics at each flip.

“Underneath John Swinney’s authorities, it is our most disadvantaged college students who now face the narrowest choices and the worst prospects.”