The graph below illustrates the results of a survey indicating what 1000 students did after leaving school between 2008 and 2012.
Overall, the number of students seeking work has decreased over time, with a significant decline between 2010 and 2011. Despite this, the number of students attending university remains stable over time, though it reached its peak in 2010. Taking time off from work in education has increased significantly over the period.
In 2008, students left school primarily to look for work, about 500 participants. With 300 young people, however, the rates of going to university are noted. By 2009, looking for work had not lost its dominance, with 400 people, while going to university increased slightly to about 350 students. The number of students who took a brief break from education rose slightly to about 250 leavers.
In 2010, there was a change in places. The number of students leaving for university reached its peak of approximately 400 students. Looking for work decreased sharply to roughly 310 young people, while having an education gap climbed to about 280 students. By 2011, figures had remained almost stable, though the number of students leaving for university decreased slightly to about 385 graduates. As of 2012, the number of young people who are going to university had declined to roughly 300 participants, and went back to its previous position. The rates of students who are looking for work increased sharply to 360 individuals, while taking a short academic break increased slightly to around 310 students.