Moray school leavers turn summer into a next step

beehiveweb.co.uk editorial team 2026-08-31 18:59 3 min read

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

By the Beehive Web editorial team

Published 31 August 2026

Every one of the 21 Moray school leavers who joined a six-week summer programme has progressed to college, employment or personal development.

The participants, aged 15 to 18 and drawn from secondary schools across Moray, attended the Moray Pathways Local Employability Partnership Summer Programme at UHI Moray. According to Moray Council, 76% moved into college, 19% entered personal and social development opportunities, and 5% secured employment.

The result gives a clear meaning to the programme’s description of a “positive destination”: each participant left with a confirmed next step rather than simply completing the six weeks of activities.

Six weeks of confidence-building across Moray

The programme combined preparation for education and work with activities intended to develop confidence, teamwork and social connections. Participants joined circus-skills workshops with Moray Flying Circus, took part in sports and arts sessions, and visited workplaces at Forres Tolbooth and ReBOOT.

A visit to the STEM Starts Centre at Elgin Library introduced another setting in which the teenagers could explore possible interests and future opportunities.

Isla, an 18-year-old participant, described the programme as “an amazing and worth doing experience”. She said it allowed her to try unfamiliar activities, reconnect with people and make new friends, adding that she would recommend it to other young people.

Moray school leavers turn summer into a next step

A youth voice day also gave the group a role beyond preparing for their own next steps. Participants worked together on manifestos setting out changes they would like to see in Moray. The council said their ideas and feedback will inform future decisions on issues affecting young people.

College accounts for 76% of destinations

Further education was the most common destination, accounting for more than three-quarters of the cohort. The remaining participants were divided between employment and structured personal or social development.

The programme was delivered by Moray 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.

Councillor Marc Macrae, chair of Moray Council’s Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee, said the outcome showed the value of supporting young people at a pivotal stage. He highlighted the confidence, skills and connections developed alongside the progression figures.

Councillor Kathleen Robertson, chair of the Education, Communities and Leisure Services Committee, said the programme had provided a welcoming setting in which participants could explore opportunities and share views about decisions affecting them.

Key-worker support continues beyond the programme

Completion of the summer programme does not mark the end of support for this group. Moray Council confirmed that all participants will continue working with key workers as they settle into college, employment or personal development opportunities.

The council’s announcement did not state whether another summer cohort is planned or provide an application route for future school leavers. For the 21 young people who completed this programme, the confirmed next stage is continued individual support from their key workers.

Source: Moray Council Newsroom

Context & actions About this article

Source check Source trail

The participation figures, destination breakdown, activities and continuing support were checked against Moray Council’s report dated 31 August 2026.

Checks

Confirmed that the programme involved 21 people aged 15 to 18.
Checked that the reported destinations total 100%: 76% college, 19% personal and social de...
Confirmed that participants will continue to receive support from key workers.
Matched the named delivery partners and councillors’ roles to the supplied council report.

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