Gap between richest and poorest attending university in Scotland widens
Despite an increase in the number of youngsters going to university, the university attainment gap has widened,
The gap between richest and poorest going to university in Scotland has widened, figures show.
Despite an increase in the number of youngsters going to university, the attainment gap has widened, according to Scottish Government statistics.
In 2023-24, 24.6 per cent of university attendees were from the 20 per cent of Scotland's most deprived areas.
This was compared to 59.3 per cent from the least deprived – a gap of 34.7 per cent. The gap sat at 32.5 per cent the year before.
The highest proportion of those from the most deprived areas – 29.9 per cent – went to college.
Some 27.1 per cent went into work, compared to 12.9 per cent and 22.8 per cent respectively among the most well off.
At the same time, the proportion of Scottish school leavers in 'positive destinations' has increased.
Some 93.1 per cent of children who left school in 2023-24 were in education or employment within nine months.
That figure was a slight increase from 92.8 per cent the year before.
According to the statistics, 28.8 per cent were in employment. Some 21.9 per cent were in college, 2.8 per cent were in training and 0.7 per cent were carrying out voluntary work.
The highest proportion – 38.1 per cent – were at university, up by one percentage point from the previous year.
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said the overalls figures are 'at a near-record high'.
She said: 'The increase among those in higher and further education is hugely encouraging and testament to the hard work of those young people and the extraordinary support provided by Scotland's teachers, lecturers and other support staff.
'The gap in positive destinations between young people from our most and least deprived communities has more than halved since 2009-10, but this latest data shows we still have more to do.
'We also know this cohort of young people faced significant disruption to their education during the pandemic.
'A range of support, including from careers advisers and the Developing the Young Workforce network, is available for young people considering their options after school.
'I am determined to ensure young people can access the right help they need to enable them into a positive destination, and this Government will continue to invest in opportunities for young people across Scotland.'
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