The number of school leavers going into higher education in East Lothian reached a record high last year as the number finding employment also rose.
The local authority saw its 'positive destination' figures for students leaving schools rise to 96.1 per cent above the national average of 95.5 per cent.
But while the percentage of school leavers going into jobs remained well above the national average with more than 28 per cent in work, compared to 22.6 per cent nationally, it was the increase in those going into higher education, which stood out.
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In 2019 to 2020 it was reported that 37 per cent of students went on the university from East Lothian schools, however last year the figure rose to 45.1 per cent bringing it in line with the Scottish average.
The number of care experienced leavers reaching a positive destination after leaving school last year was also above the national average with nearly 93 per cent in the county compared to 88 per cent nationally.
The Scottish Government describes a positive destination as “higher education and further education, training, voluntary work, employment and activity agreements."
More than 71 per cent of care experienced school leavers went into further education - compared to just 41.7 per cent two years earlier.
The county also saw the number of leavers with additional support needs finding a positive destination reach 94 per cent - one percent above the national average.
A report to the council's education committee earlier this week highlighted the work done through foundation apprenticeships provided through East Lothian Works with business partners and schools.
A range of initiatives and changes introduced to support young people including a common school day to allow inter school co-operation and key worker support for apprentices continued to support them.
A spokesperson for education told a virtual meeting of the committee that working with partners to continue apprenticeship programmes had continued throughout the Covid crisis.
He said: "Even during the pandemic, because these were our foundation apprenticeships with our providers, miraculously, we were able to provide work placements digitally.
“Our pupils on those exciting pathways graduated and got those qualifications.”
Head of Education Nicola McDowell welcomed the positive destination performance.
She said: “The last few years have been challenging from an economic and educational perspective due to COVID-19 which is why I am so pleased to see the data confirm that East Lothian’s young people are being well supported to make positive steps into the world of work, education and training.
“Working with our partners and schools, East Lothian Works has transformed how we operate to respond in a way that meets the needs of our learners and school leavers, giving them the tools and opportunities that they need to succeed.
"We will continue to develop programmes and initiatives that make sure all of our learners have access to the support that they need during their time in school and beyond.”
