Published Date: Apr 22nd, 2026
New figures for 2024/25 show that young people in the Kirkcaldy area are doing better in several important areas of their education.
The latest report to the Kirkcaldy Area Committee highlights improvements in attainment and a continued rise in the number of school leavers moving into positive destinations. It also makes clear that there is still more to do to make sure every young person gets the best possible start in life.
One of the most positive findings is that 95.7% of school leavers in the Kirkcaldy area went into a positive destination, such as work, training, college or university. This now matches the national picture and is the third year in a row that the area has improved.
The report also shows strong progress in numeracy, with pupils in Kirkcaldy performing better than the Fife average at SCQF Level 4 across all neighbourhoods, including those facing the most disadvantage. This follows focused work in schools to strengthen numeracy skills.
Across most measures, schools in the Kirkcaldy area saw overall improvement in 2024/25, similar to the rest of Fife and Scotland. Literacy at SCQF Level 4 improved slightly, and performance at SCQF Level 5 increased after a drop the previous year.
However, the report also shows that attainment in the Kirkcaldy area is still below the Fife average in several areas, especially wider attainment and some literacy measures. Schools here also work with a higher number of pupils from low‑income households and more children who need extra support. Tackling these challenges remains a key priority.
To keep improving, Education is strengthening how schools use data, increasing the level of support and scrutiny, and encouraging closer work between schools, colleges and partners. The new Transforming Learning Fife programme is also helping teachers improve learning and assessment, using digital tools and accessibility features to support all pupils.
Convener of the Kirkcaldy Area Committee, Councillor Ian Cameron, said: “It’s encouraging to see progress for our young people, especially in areas like positive destinations and numeracy. This shows the hard work happening every day in our schools, and I want to thank staff, pupils and families for their commitment.
“But we know there is still more to do. Some results are not where we want them to be, and many young people in Kirkcaldy face extra challenges. As a committee, we’re determined to keep supporting our schools, so every young person has the chance to succeed.”
