- Children’s Minister said figures were a ‘clear sign’ that more needs to be done for young people
By
Sarah Harris
17:38 EST, 28 June 2012
|
17:38 EST, 28 June 2012
More than 8,000 teenagers have joined the ranks of NEETs as the proportion staying on in school after 16 has fallen for the first time in a decade.
The number of 16 to 18-year-olds that are considered not in education, employment or training – rose 5.7 per cent in a year.
One in 12 of this age group (8.1 per cent) has now become a drop-out – 154,710 – by the end of 2011 compared to 7.5 per cent or 146,430 in 2010.
Lost generation: The number of 16 to 18-year-olds that are considered not in education, employment or training rose 5.7 per cent in a year
This means that an extra 8,280 young people were NEET in 2011 compared to 2010.
Among 16-year-olds, 86.2 per cent were in full-time education in 2011, compared to 88.0 per cent in 2010, a fall of 1.8 percentage points or over 21,000 students.
It is the first time the numbers have dropped since 2001, and comes amid a move to raise the school leaving age.
From next year, pupils will leave education and training at age 17, and in 2015, this will be raised to 18.
Comments: Children’s Minister Tim Loughton
Overall, there were fewer young people
aged 16 to 18 in 2011 (1,910,000) than there were in 2010 (1,952,400)
according to the Department for Education figures.
Children’s
Minister Tim Loughton said the figures were a ‘clear sign’ that the
education system needs to do more to give young people the skills that
businesses and universities want.
He said: ‘The number of young people not in education, employment or training has been too high for too long – this is not a new problem. But we are determined to tackle it.’
The Government is spending £7.5 billion on education and training and £126 million over three years on extra support for the 16 and 17-year-olds most in need of help, Mr Loughton said.
Shadow minister for young people Karen Buck said: ‘This generation of young people is paying a huge price for the recession made in Downing Street – long term youth unemployment has more than doubled in the last year.
‘Whether it is cutting support for young people to stay in school, trebling tuition fees or ending face to face careers advice, this Government is hopelessly out of touch with the needs of the next generation.’
Sally Hunt, general secretary of the University and College Union (UCU), said: ‘Education is a key social and economic driver and can help young people develop the necessary skills to find jobs and realise their potential.
‘Instead of erecting barriers to study, such as hiking up university fees, the government should follow the example of other countries and invest in education, not cut the very services young people need.’
Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT, the largest teachers’ union, added: ‘These figures are a reflection of the Coalition Government’s short-sighted, destructive and illogical reforms of the education and training system for young people.’
-
‘I’m so sorry, please forgive me… but man, I did try’: Ann…
-
No wonder so many people like it! Coke and Pepsi contain…
-
Matt Lauer’s wife ‘will divorce him if Ann Curry’s…
-
‘I love abusing this kid’: Mother ‘videoed assault and…
-
‘I didn’t even mean to hurt them’: Video shows boy, 14,…
-
Australian swimmer lands in hot water after tweeting picture…
-
Dad ‘left toddler son in sweltering car outside his office…
-
Razed to the ground: Shocking before-and-after images reveal…
-
Dog-faced boy, four-legged Myrtle and the man with elastic…
-
Researchers find icy tomb on glacier of aircraft that…
-
Woman, 32, ‘had sex with an under-16 boy in park bathroom’
-
Think this haunted house is scary? Wait ’til you see your…