Leavers’ Destinations

Once again, the leavers from our final two year groups are moving on to a huge range of destinations, whether these be Higher or Further Education, work, or adventures during a Year Out.

This year 66% of our leavers are moving straight on to University from school. Another 25% are taking a Gap year first, with over half of those holding a deferred University place. The remainder is split between Further Education and work. Typically, it looks like over 90% of our leavers will end up at University, whether this year or next.

We have only one leaver going to University overseas in 2009. Of the others, some 72% will be going to University in Scotland, whilst the remaining 27% will head for England (our typical distribution is around 60:40 Scotland: England). Our senior curriculum offering Highers and A-levels continues to bring good the flexibility and options in University choice north and south of the border.

Leavers' Courses

The diversity of what our leavers go on to study beyond school is as wide as ever. Yet again we are sending a large proportion off to study Sciences at University (bucking national trends), and the Social Sciences are also prominent.

However, this year our highest ever numbers are going off into the creative field (this includes Art, Design and Sport). Specific subjects range from Interior Design to Medicine, from Primary School Teaching through Computer Games Design and Coaching and Sports Development to Classics. This year’s leavers are a varied bunch!

Year Out

Of those 25% taking a year out, some have begun with jobs in Edinburgh, building up funds before more adventurous travel overseas. Others are using the year to gain sports coaching qualifications which will benefit their future career plans. A number of others have already left the country, intending to complete their UCAS form from the other side of the world: with the internet is will be hard to escape those reminders from teachers! Whatever their plans, the idea of a year spent out of education before University continues to be a well established route for our leavers.