Question reference: S6W-02672
- Asked by: Alex Rowley, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 8 September 2021
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Current status: Answered by Shirley-Anne Somerville on 21 September 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it collects statistics on the destinations of school leavers from private or fee-paying schools; what the reasons are for its position on this matter, and, if it does not collect such statistics, what its position is on the validity of its data on the inequality gap in education.
Answer
The Scottish Government does not collect statistics on private or fee-paying schools, including on the destinations of their leavers. Scottish Government statistical collections focus on publicly funded and Grant Aided schools for which it provides funding.
In the National Improvement Framework and Improvement Plan, we set out our approach to measuring the poverty related attainment gap with 11 key measures identified to assess progress. We have plans to formally review the 11 NIF measures with partners to ensure they are comprehensive, as we recognise that national data needs to provide an accurate understanding of the wide range of learners’ achievement. Local authorities and school leaders are also able to use local knowledge and data to ensure support is targeted towards the children and young people who require it most.