Record high for young Scots in education, training or employment

The proportion of young people in Scotland in education, training or employment has increased to a record 91.8 per cent, a 0.7 percentage point increase over the last year.

The number of young people not currently in education, training or employment also fell to 3.4%, a 0.3 percentage point decrease since 2017. The figures also showed that 87.1% of 16-19 year olds from minority ethnic groups are participating in education, 15.8 percentage points higher than the national average.

The participation gap between those living in the 20% most deprived areas and those in the 20% least deprived areas has continued to narrow, from 11.5% in 2017 to 10.8% in 2018.

Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills Jamie Hepburn said: “These record figures show that our efforts to encourage and support young people to stay in learning, training and work are working for the vast majority across Scotland.

“As well as a continued reduction in the participation gap for those living in the most deprived areas, reflecting the impact our commitment to delivering excellence and equity for all is having a positive impact on participation rates, I am particularly pleased to see a record increase in the number of young people from minority ethnic backgrounds in education."