A study analyzed a range of factors associated with male and female low attainment and the subsequent routes of low attainers leaving S4 up to the age of 19, using the Scottish School Leavers Survey data from 1978-96. The most significant trend was the extent to which low attainment declined, although significant differences in terms of gender were also found. In 1978, the extent of low attainment was broadly similar between the sexes, but females improved at a faster rate. Social background and area characteristics were the strongest predictor of low attainment. A large fall was identified in the numbers leaving school and entering directly into employment. A desire among low attainers for employment rather than training prevailed. A small proportion found stable employment; the routes of the majority were characterized by uncertainty with frequent switching between statuses. While more females entered employment, on leaving school they had lower levels of participation in training. Compared to better-qualified S4 leavers, male low attainers were less likely to have been continually employed, complete training, and have a greater instability in routes followed. However, the majority were employed at age 18/19. Just over half of all low attainers gained any form of additional qualifications. Female S4 leavers were likely to gain some form of additional qualification. (Appendixes contain 55 references and data tables.) (YLB)