Care concern

Published on 26/06/2012 00:44

WHILE fewer young people are leaving school without qualifications, Scottish Government figures show there continues to be a stark contrast in the attainment levels of those from stable family backgrounds and those growing up in care.

Just 2.1 per cent of school leavers left without any qualifications in 2010-11, compared with 3.0 per cent in 2008-9. A total of 35.6 per cent of those leaving school did so with a least one Higher, compared with 32.4 in 2008-9.

However, while 89 per cent of all school leavers went on to university, college, training or employment, just 64 per cent of “looked-after children” did the same, with the number going into higher education so small that it was withheld for reasons of confidentiality.

The exclusion rate for those in care was 326 per 1,000 children, compared with 40 exclusions per 1,000 pupils for all school children.