Gap between richest and poorest school leavers in "positive destinations" widens
The difference between those well off and those least well off is 0.5%
The gap between the richest and poorest school leavers in Scotland has widened in the past year, figures show.
According to the Scottish Government, 88.9% of those in the most deprived 20% of areas were in a positive destination, like education, training or employment, compared to 96.4% from the most affluent areas - a gap of 7.5%.
In the year before, the gap was 7%.
Those from the least well-off areas were also more likely to be unemployed and looking for work, at 6.7%, compared to 1.7% of those who were more wealthy.
Overall, the highest proportion of school leavers in 22/23 went on to university, with 37.1% in higher education, followed by 31.2% in employment and 21.2% attending college.
The proportion unemployed and seeking work also increased year-on-year from 3.4% to 3.7%, as did the proportion unemployed and not looking for a job - from 2.4% to 2.6%.
Overall, figures show 92.8% of school leavers were in education, training or employment nine months after the end of their final school year in 2022-23.
The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.