The highest-ever proportion of pupils leaving East Renfrewshire schools went on to university, college, work or training, the latest figures have revealed.

A total of 1353 youngsters left East Renfrewshire schools in 2022/23, and of that number, 1336 (98.7 per cent) made a positive next step in their development.

This surpasses the previous record of 98.5 per cent set last year.

It is the highest positive destination rate of any local authority and well exceeds the national average of 95.9 per cent.

The report unveiled that of the total school leavers, 917 (67.8 per cent) headed for higher education, 191 (14.1 per cent) for further education, and 199 (14.7 per cent) entered the job market.

A group of 29 school leavers (2.1 per cent) opted for training courses, personal development programmes and volunteering.

The findings highlighted a near-blanket of positive outcomes for school leavers across all of East Renfrewshire’s schools, with Barrhead High and Woodfarm High witnessing 100 per cent of their school leavers stepping toward positive destinations.

The area’s other five secondary schools all had positive destinations for more than 98 per cent of their pupils

Councillor Andrew Anderson, convener of Education, Equalities, Culture and Leisure, said: "Our schools are recognised as being some of the best in the country, so it is extremely pleasing to see that our pupils’ are building on all their excellent experiences and taking this into the next stage of their learning.

"It is clear that we are preparing our young people well for their future learning and careers and will continue to work to support the small number still looking to make that next step."

Sharon McIntyre, head of Career Information, Advice and Guidance Operations at Skills Development Scotland, added: "It’s hugely encouraging to see East Renfrewshire achieving the highest positive destination rate in Scotland.

"This progress is testament to the hard work, determination, and commitment of Scotland’s young people and of the SDS careers advisers working in partnership with teachers throughout East Renfrewshire to support pupils throughout their time at school and beyond.”