16-18 years old participation in education and training

The Department for Education is responsible for setting national policy and funding for the education and training of 16- to 18-year-olds. Although the vast majority of young people participate, 81 per cent of around 2 million 16- to 18-year-olds, young people who are not in education and training have been a source of concern to … Show more

The Department for Education is responsible for setting national policy and funding for the education and training of 16- to 18-year-olds. Although the vast majority of young people participate, 81 per cent of around 2 million 16- to 18-year-olds, young people who are not in education and training have been a source of concern to the Department for some time. The Department is implementing reforms in this area, including a requirement since September 2013 that young people stay in full-time education or training for a full academic year after Year 11. From 2015, they will have to continue learning until their 18th birthday. The Department is implementing its reforms at the same time as reducing spending on 16- to 18-year-olds. In 2013-14, the Department’s core budget of £7 billion for this age group was 8 per cent lower in real terms than in 2010-11. This inquiry will look at the challenges the Department faces, the progress it has made to date, and how it can get better information about the effectiveness of its reforms to increase participation and quality further in future. Further information National Audit Office report: 16- to 18-year-old participation in education and training Chair's statement: Participation of 16- to 18-year-olds in education and training Show less