Aim High in Ambition Stakes Schools Project Should Be Encouraged and Expanded

Summary

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WELCOME to the club. A further six secondaries are to join the Scottish Executive's Schools of Ambition project, bringing the total in the first phase to 26, exceeding the target of 20. Of the schools taking part, nine are in Glasgow. These represent nearly one-third of the total. The high proportion should not be a surprise as the project is aimed at raising standards in comprehensives mainly in disadvantaged areas. These are mostly in Glasgow.

Although the six new members of the club have not been identified, it is safe to assume they will not be among the city's top-performing schools. A clue to their location is provided by Sir Tom Hunter, the philanthropist who is investing GBP600,000 in the project. His foundation would like his funding to help those young people who hit a dead end when they leave school. Glasgow has the highest proportion in Scotland of 16 to 19-year-olds who are not learning, working or training. The outlook for these teenagers can be grim when they reach 21. They are much more likely to have a criminal record and mental health problems.

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Aim High in Ambition Stakes Schools Project Should Be Encouraged and Expanded

Making school a springboard for a better life would bear dividends not only for the young people involved ...

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