School leavers across the Scottish Borders have achieved record levels of positive destinations and continued improvements in attainment - according to the latest annual School Leavers Report.
Almost all school leavers in the Scottish Borders (97.02%) progressed to a positive destination in 2024-25, the highest level recorded in the last five years. This places Scottish Borders seventh in Scotland and above the national average.
Strong performance across the region
Strong performances were recorded across the region, with Hawick High School achieving a positive destination rate of 99.31% and Kelso High School 98.18%.
The report also highlights significant progress for young people who can face additional barriers to success. Among leavers with additional support needs, 95.23% progressed to a positive destination, while 96.61% of young people entitled to free school meals moved into a positive destination.
Particularly notable was the achievement of care experienced young people, with 100% progressing to a positive destination – the highest result since 2020-21.
The report shows continued improvement in attainment across Scottish Borders secondary schools.
In 2024-25:
- 88.73% of leavers achieved one or more awards at SCQF Level 5 or better, the highest level in three years.
- 65.64% achieved one or more awards at SCQF Level 6 or better, continuing a three-year upward trend.
- 69% achieved five or more awards at SCQF Level 5, up five percentage points on the previous year.
- 40% achieved five or more awards at SCQF Level 6, up two percentage points.
The report also demonstrates continued progress in closing the poverty-related attainment gap. Among young people from the most deprived communities, 96.39% progressed to a positive destination, while attainment at key qualification levels continued to improve.
Further and Higher Education destinations also increased, with 29.14% of leavers progressing to Further Education and 39% moving on to Higher Education.
Partnership work
The results reflect the strong partnership working between schools, Skills Development Scotland, Developing the Young Workforce Borders, Borders College and our employability services, ensuring young people are supported to move successfully into education, training and employment.
Councillor Julie Pirone, Executive Member for Education, Youth Development and Lifelong Learning
"These results reflect the hard work, ambition and aspirations of our brilliant young people, supported by dedicated teachers, school staff, parents, carers and partners across the Scottish Borders.
"We are particularly encouraged by the record positive destination rate and the continued improvements in attainment, alongside the progress being made in improving outcomes for young people, who face the greatest challenges."