Report shows young people across Falkirk are heading to their own positive destination.
Hundreds of young people across Falkirk are moving on to jobs, college, university or training after leaving school, with new figures showing strong results across the area according to a new report published this week.
Figures for the 2024/25 school year show that 97.5% of Falkirk school leavers moved into a positive destination. That is above the Scottish average and places Falkirk 5th out of the country’s 32 local authorities.
The figures also show a smaller gap between young people from the most and least deprived areas. In Falkirk, the difference is 4.57 percentage points, compared with 4.72 points across Scotland. This suggests outcomes for young people are slightly more even across the area than the national picture.
In practical terms, that means a young person’s background has slightly less influence on their chances of moving into work, training or further study than it does in many other parts of the country.
In total, 1,689 young people left Falkirk secondary schools in 2024/25 with almost all moving into work, apprenticeships, college, university, training or volunteering.
Many pupils now take part in work experience, employer visits and mock interviews while still at school to help prepare them for moving on. Some also study vocational courses or will take Foundation Apprenticeships as part of their school timetable with courses focussing on practical skills and real workplace experience, leading directly into further training, college or employment.
Partnership working
Falkirk Council is also collaborating closely with partners including Forth Valley College, Skills Development Scotland, local employers and third-sector organisations to ensure the best opportunities can be offered to young people.
Support is also available for young people who are not yet in a positive destination through partners such as Go Youth Trust, offering mentoring, guidance and helping them to re-engage.
Jon Reid, Director of Education, said:
Almost all young people in Falkirk are moving on to positive destinations, and that reflects the hard work of pupils, staff and partners across the area.
“We now offer a wider range of courses and experiences, including vocational learning, Foundation Apprenticeships and stronger links with employers. Many young people leave school with practical skills, recognised qualifications and a clearer idea of what they want to do next.
“This is very much a partnership effort. Schools, the college, employers, council services and third-sector organisations are all involved in creating real opportunities. That includes work experience, mentoring and clearer routes into apprenticeships and local jobs.
“Our aim is that every young person leaves school with a positive plan, and the right support in place to help them succeed. We hope elected members welcome this report and how our young people are achieving their own personal goals in life.