More Choices, More Chances

There are too many young people not in education, employment or training. To find out how this is being addressed visit the More Choices, More Chances pages of the Education Scotland website.

16+ Learning Choices

16+ Learning Choices is the model for helping young people stay in learning post-16, since this is seen as the best way to ensure their long-term employability. It will help build capacity in individuals, families and communities, and will support economic growth in Scotland. Most importantly, it will help prevent and reduce youth unemployment. For more information on 16 + Learning Choices visit 16+ Learning Choices Policy and Practice Framework.

Senior phase

'The Senior Phase of a young person’s education follows their broad general education, which takes them to the end of S3 or equivalent. The Senior Phase can be characterised as that which takes place in the final stages of compulsory education and beyond, normally ages 15/16 to 18.'

Curriculum for Excellence – Senior Phase – Management Board Discussion Paper

A key feature for effective delivery of the Senior Phase is partnership working:

  • 'For many young people school will continue to be the main deliverer of the Senior Phase. However in order to make real the CfE principles this will increasingly involve partnerships with a range of other providers'
  • 'The curriculum should be planned in a coherent way with partner agencies to provide a full range of opportunities to meet the needs of all young people' (Senior Phase Management Board Discussion Paper)
  • 'Not all young people will be in school during this phase and it is essential they are able to realise their entitlements wherever their learning is taking place. Learning providers including schools, colleges, work based training, community learning and development and other non-formal settings will contribute to this.' (Senior Phase Management Board Discussion Paper)

For more information about The Senior Phase visit Planning for the Senior Phase: Advice and key questions or Senior phase curriculum models.

For more information on developing effective partnerships look at the Bridging the Gap: Improving Outcomes for Scotland's Young People through School and Youth Work Partnerships or visit the Journey to Excellence website.