Based on a secondary analysis of the Scottish School Leavers Surveys from 1978-96, a study focused on low attainment with particular reference to gender. Findings indicated the proportion of low-attainers at ordinary or standard grade had more than halved since the 1970s; it declined more among women than men. Low S4 attainment was associated with social background and neighborhood deprivation. The proportion of low-attaining S4 leavers who entered full-time employment had fallen sharply since the 1970s. By the mid-1990s, the early careers of those who entered employment were characterized by frequent switching between statuses. Only a minority of low-attaining S4 leavers were female, but when trying to find employment, the consequences of low attainment were more severe for young women. Among S4 leavers, low qualifications and unemployment after leaving school were important predictors of unemployment at age 18/19. Training reduced the risk of unemployment for young men; for young women, personal characteristics appeared to be more important. Just over half of young people with low S4 attainment gained further qualifications by age 18/19. Those who continued in full-time education were much more likely to gain further qualifications than those who entered training or employment. (YLB)