Scottish Government 'considering' scheme to make it easier to return to school
The Scottish Government is reportedly considering a pilot scheme which would make it easier to return to school, due to concerns over the numbers of pupils leaving in S4.
Fourth year in secondary school is the last compulsory year of school, and the number of pupils choosing to leave at that stage is rising.
In 2019-20 11.4% of S4s left following their final compulsory year, but that had risen to 14.4% over the past two years.
The proportion leaving in S5 has also been rising, reaching 28.4% last year, the second highest level on record since 2009/10.
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As reported by The Scotsman, education secretary Jenny Gilruth raised concerns over the figures in a meeting with senior figures in the sector.
The minutes of the meeting reveal that the Scottish Government is also considering introducing a pilot scheme which would make it easier for school leavers to return to education if they change their minds.
A Scottish Government spokesperson told the newspaper: 'The percentage of leavers in a positive destination three months after leaving school is at 95.7 per cent - the second highest since records began.
'The most recent statistics also show the proportion of school leavers choosing to leave at S4 was similar to last year's figures. After a rise last year, we have been exploring why young people are deciding to leave school at S4. These factors include the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis.
'We will continue to work closely with schools and partners to find ways to support young people stay in learning. This includes our £1 billion investment in the Scottish Attainment Challenge.'
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