School leaver figures show need to close the attainment gap
Figures released by the Scottish Government today (22 June) showing a rise in school pupils leaving with “no qualifications at SCQF level 3 or above” highlights the scale of the task facing the government say the Scottish Greens.
The percentage of pupils leaving with no qualifications at SCQF level 3 or above is at 2.1 per cent, an increase from 1.7 per cent for 2013/14; a rise Ross Greer MSP says should leave John Swinney under no illusions about the urgent need to close Scotland’s attainment gap.
Ross Greer MSP, the Scottish Greens’ education spokesperson said:
“John Swinney has been in his new education post for only a matter of weeks, but these figures should serve to reinforce the cabinet secretary’s commitment to closing the attainment gap in Scotland.
“The report might describe this 2.1 percent as a ‘small proportion’, but it’s nevertheless a rise that will do little to dispel the notion that budget cuts to local authorities disproportionately affect children from less well-off backgrounds. Mr Swinney clearly has his work cut out and he must look for solutions in and out of the classroom including to improving housing, jobs and social opportunities.
“Scottish Greens put forward proposals for a ‘Scotland Guarantee’ that will open up job, training or education opportunities for every school-leaver in the country. We’d be delighted to support the new minority government in taking these plans forward.”