The Scottish education system has no generally recognised concept of school completion or graduation. After the age of 16, when education ceases to be compulsory, the level, duration, mode and content of learning vary widely, and there is no standard or benchmark by which to judge whether an individual has completed secondary education. The system's key characteristic is flexibility; post - compulsory education and training comprise a 'climbing frame' with multiple entry and exit points rather than pre-determined lines or programs leading to fixed standards to be achieved by all learners. This chapter therefore focuses on levels of participation in post-compulsory learning. It also refers more briefly to the attainment of those who participate, although unlike many other countries, 'participation' and 'attainment' are the subjects of separate discourses in Scotland. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.
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