Edinburgh Guarantee secures success for school leavers
More school leavers than ever in Edinburgh are moving into work, education, or training, thanks to the strong partnership that has developed between the public and private sectors through the Edinburgh Guarantee.

**Click here for a short video featuring Cllrs Burns, Godzik and modern apprentice Stephen Ramsay. Other examples of young people at work.**
The statistics show that more school leavers in Edinburgh are getting into jobs compared to September 2013 with over one in four of school leavers in employment at the snapshot taken in March. Just over 40% are getting into and sustaining places in Higher Education while over a quarter of school leavers opt for Further Education.
The majority of schools improved their performance since September 2013. The largest increase was at Craigroyston Community High school up 13.1 per cent, Currie performed extremely well with their figure now sitting at 97.9 per cent, and Firrhill and Gracemount were up by 6.8 per cent.
This success has been underpinned by the active support of the city’s employers in recruiting young people into their businesses, with 350 opportunities offered since April 2015.
Sue Bruce, Chief Executive, the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Today’s figures will be welcomed across the city by young people, employers in the private, voluntary and public sectors and those working in education. Giving young people the best start they can have in life is a key priority and I am delighted that the Edinburgh Guarantee is playing such an important role in securing the future success of our young people in the city.”
Cllr
Paul Godzik, Convener of the Education, Children and Families Committee, said:
“Whether it’s employment, apprenticeships or training, young people need to
move out of school and into a positive destination quickly. It is really
encouraging that there has been such an improvement in the figures this year as
moving on to make a new start in life is the boost young people really need to
raise their self esteem at this critical point in their lives.”
Cllr Frank Ross, Convener of the Economy Committee, said: “Ensuring that
Edinburgh’s young people have opportunities is vital for the economic success
of our city. These year’s figures demonstrate that initiatives such as the Edinburgh Guarantee are making
a real difference to many young lives. I am confident that with sustained
investment we’ll continue to drive up this figure and see many more young
people taking a positive next step in their lives.”
Stephen Ramsay, panel beater modern apprentice at DSL Autos, said: "When
I was at Craigroyston High School I was invovled in a Formula 1 project and I
really enjoyed it. My career advisor helped me with an interview for Edinburgh
College and I am now a modern apprentice doing a four year course in Automotive
Paint Refinishing. As soon as I left school I wanted to get involved in
this trade and I want to work in this field until I retire."
A positive destination is defined as a place in Higher Education, Further Education, a job, paid apprenticeship, or work-focused training.