Six weeks open new routes for Moray school leavers

demoduck.co.uk editorial team 2026-08-31 18:53 3 min read

A group of diverse people gathered on a sandy beach near a coastal town.

By the demoduck.co.uk editorial desk | Published 31 August 2026

All 21 teenagers who attended a six-week summer programme at UHI Moray have progressed to college, employment or structured personal and social development opportunities.

The participants, aged 15 to 18 and drawn from secondary schools across Moray, joined the Moray Pathways Local Employability Partnership Summer Programme during a potentially uncertain period between leaving school and choosing what comes next. Moray Council reported the results on 31 August 2026.

The programme was delivered by the council’s Employability Youth Work Team alongside its Employability Team and Mentoring Young Talent Team. Developing the Young Workforce Moray, UHI Moray and Skills Development Scotland were also involved.

New experiences put confidence and teamwork into practice

The timetable combined practical experiences with sports, arts and team-building activities. Participants tried circus skills with Moray Flying Circus and visited Forres Tolbooth and ReBOOT, giving them opportunities to encounter unfamiliar settings and work alongside other young people.

A visit to the STEM Starts Centre at Elgin Library added a science and technology element. The range of activities was intended to help participants build confidence, develop skills and explore possible routes after school rather than requiring them to arrive with a fixed career plan.

Isla, 18, said the programme allowed her to try things she had not done before and to make new friends or reconnect with old ones. She described it as an experience she would recommend to others.

Participants were also given a direct role in discussing Moray’s future. During a youth voice day, they worked together on manifestos setting out changes they would like to see locally. Moray Council said their ideas and feedback will inform future decision-making on issues affecting young people.

Six weeks open new routes for Moray school leavers

College accounted for most of the positive destinations

The council’s results show that 76% of participants progressed to college. Another 19% entered personal and social development opportunities, while 5% moved into employment.

With 21 participants, those percentages correspond to approximately 16 moving to college, four entering development opportunities and one starting employment, allowing for rounding. Together, the three routes account for every young person who completed the programme.

The figures also clarify what the council means by a “positive destination”: participants did not all follow the same path. The recorded outcomes include further education and employment as well as development activity intended to support those who need more time or preparation before taking another step.

Key-worker support will continue beyond the summer

Councillor Marc Macrae, chair of Moray Council’s Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee, said the programme gave young people support at a crucial stage and helped them develop confidence, skills and connections.

Councillor Kathleen Robertson, chair of the Education, Communities and Leisure Services Committee, highlighted the welcoming environment and the opportunity for participants to influence decisions through the youth voice work.

The six-week programme has ended, but support has not: participants will continue working with their key workers as they settle into college, employment or personal and social development opportunities.

Source: Moray Council Newsroom

Context & actions About this article

Source check How this report was checked

The participation total, outcome percentages, activities and continuing support were checked against Moray Council’s report dated 31 August 2026.

Checks

Confirmed that 21 young people aged 15 to 18 participated.
Checked the reported outcome split of 76% college, 19% personal and social development and...
Verified the programme partners and its six-week location at UHI Moray.
Confirmed that participants will continue to receive support from key workers.

Moray Council Newsroom Check wider coverage