Better support for Scottish school-leavers

The Scottish government has announced proposals to better support Scottish students with career and academic advice after school.

From 2019, Scottish students will have access to an online account with personalised support in choosing courses and planning a career. They will be able to record their skills and qualifications and receive help in planning next steps into further learning or work.

It is one of seventeen recommendations in a review of the journey through the education system for 15-24 year olds. Other recommendations include more joined-up advice and guidance on post-school options across the education sector.

Young people will receive a better balance of work-based and academic skills informed by employer engagement. There will be improved collaboration between schools, colleges and universities to enable greater flexibility for young people to move from S5 to year one of a degree, from S6 to year 2, and from college into years 2 and 3 of university.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “Our school leavers now have a widening range of opportunities available - from industry-led technical professional options to long standing well-established academic routes. But what is clear is there is no single route to success in life.

“With a record proportion of school leavers going on to a positive destination, there is much to celebrate already. This review will build on firm foundations and challenges all of us within the education and skills sector to go further.

“Ensuring the right advice, support and guidance fits seamlessly around a pupil is vital. Schools, colleges, universities and employers must work together to help young people navigate what is, rightly, a wide and varied range of post-school opportunities.

“Taking forward these recommendations will require strong leadership across the sector but will ensure all young people are supported to take the learner journey that is right for them.”