The Scottish Government’s Destination of Leavers report showed 14% were unemployed and still seeking employment or training after leaving school.

Around 3% of Dundee school leavers were unemployed and not seeking training or employment — the worst proportion in the country.

It means of the 1672 school leavers in Dundee, more than 280 of them have no work or training.

Less than a quarter (24%) of pupils from Dundee state schools in 2007/08 went on to higher education.

Only Clackmannanshire Council, where just 22% of school leavers went to university, has a lower rate.

Glasgow City Council shares second-bottom place in the table with Dundee on 24%. This is less than half the rate of East Renfrewshire, where 55% of school leavers begin degrees.

Although Dundee has improved from the previous year, when 23% went on to university, it is still far below the national average of 31%.

Among leavers, 18% went straight into a job, 33% went to college and another 8% went into training.

A spokesman for Dundee City Council said there were several positives from the report.

“The proportion of Dundee pupils entering both further and higher education has increased this year,” he said. “The percentage of pupils going on to further education and training combined is the highest in the country.

“Schools and the education department are dedicated to helping pupils prepare for life after school.”

In Angus and Fife 30% of pupils go to university, while Perth and Kinross is slightly ahead on 32%.

Nationally, just under than 87% of school leavers are in positive destinations — education, employment, voluntary work or training. The proportion of young people entering further or higher education is now just under 56%, a rise from below 53% in 2006/07.