Statement: Scottish Government education outcomes for looked after children

On 27 August 2024, the Scottish Government released its education outcomes for children legally considered looked after for 2022/23.

In a statement, Fraser McKinlay, Chief Executive of the Promise Scotland said:

“The Promise Scotland is concerned at the latest education statistics for children with experience of care. There continues to be gaps in many areas between those with care experience and their non-care experienced peers. Those gaps are still too large, and in some cases, widening.

In particular, it is worrying to see exclusion rates rise for the first time in 12 years. The latest data shows that children and young people with experience of care are now almost six times more likely to be excluded. All children have a right to an education. It is unacceptable that so many children with experience of care are being denied that right.

The last few years have been really difficult for many children, young people and families and it is clear that those in education are working hard every day to help make their lives better. There are many examples of good practice and a range of supports in place for care experienced learners up and down the country, not least through the Virtual Headteacher Network.

However, the reasons why children struggle in school are not just about education. There is a need to better understand what is going on behind the numbers. It takes clear, compassionate leadership and collaborative working across the whole system to ensure all children, and their families, are supported to engage fully in education and fulfil their potential.

In the coming days and weeks, The Promise Scotland will continue to work alongside local and national Government to get Scotland back on track.

Fiona Duncan, Independent Strategic Advisor said:

The Independent Care Review heard from children and young people with experience of care about the critical importance of education to their lives. In 2020, Scotland promised that all formal and informal exclusions of care experienced pupils would end. These latest statistics show that Scotland is still very far away from achieving that.

Children, young people and families have faced an incredibly difficult time over the last few years. Behind every one of today’s statistic lies the story of a child, young person and family, struggling to get the high-quality education they are entitled to.

There are schools in Scotland that have changed how they work over the last four years to better support their care community and #KeepThePromise. The education community has a lot to learn from these, and it is vital it does.

When Scotland ensures that all children’s right to education is upheld, our care experienced children and young people will be supported to go on and fulfil their enormous potential.

Read Plan 24-30’s education section, which sets out what needs to happen in this area to keep the promise by 2030.