Almost 96 per cent of East Renfrewshire's school leavers have gone on to so-called 'positive destinations', figures show.
The figure places the area in the top three of Scotland's local authorities.
But Renfrewshire school leavers reaching similar outcomes fell below the national average - with only 92.8 per cent achieving the target.
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Statistics reveal that 95.7 per cent of youngsters - which equates to 1,381 pupils - leaving schools on the area had gone on to work, further study or a similar "positive" outcome within nine months, last year.
The figure is higher than the Scottish average, which shows that 93.2 per cent of the nation's school leavers were in a positive destination with nine months - up from 92.2 per cent the previous year.
In Renfrewshire, 1,663 pupils - some 92.8 per cent - of school leavers achieved positive outcomes, below the national average.
Figures also reveal that the gap between the positive achievements of school leavers from the most and least deprived areas has narrowed to a record low of 7.5 per cent last year - billed as a reduction of more than half since 2009/10.
The figures have been commended by Renfrewshire South MSP Tom Arthur, who praised the fact that 2020/21 saw the highest ever proportion of young people from the most deprived communities going on to positive destinations following secondary education.
The SNP politician said: "It is brilliant to see 95.7 per cent of pupils across East Renfrewshire are going on to positive destinations – whether that be work, training or further study.
“After the significant challenges of the last few years all credit must be given to our young people and those supporting them for the positive outcomes they have achieved.
“The Scottish Government has been proactive in our approach and ensured our commitment to ‘Get It Right For Every Child’ is fulfilled, providing the support and resources necessary to give all of our young people the best possible chance to succeed – no matter their background."
He heralded the SNP's education policy, saying: "From investing in tackling the poverty-related attainment gap, free tuition, or introducing the back-to-work Jobs Grant for people aged 16 to 24 – the Scottish Government is taking action to prioritise young people in East Renfrewshire, and across every area of the country.
"While opposition parties give our young people’s achievements no credence, the reality is that real and meaningful progress is being made, as a result of this Scottish Government’s action. The fact remains that one of the largest barriers standing in the way of Scotland’s future prospects, is being tied to an out-of-touch and uncaring Westminster Government, intent on holding us back."
West Dunbartonshire was the authority which saw the lowest number of school leavers heading to positive destinations, with just 88.3 per cent of pupils heading onto further study, training or work.
South Ayrshire boasted the highest number of pupils - 97.6 per cent - heading to positive destinations.
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