Education Secretary pledges to remove barriers keeping teenagers out of college

Résumé détaillé

Lucy Powell said it was ‘unforgivable’ that tens of thousands of young people aged 16 to 18 are Neet.

The Education Secretary has pledged to “break down” the barriers that are keeping “far too many young people on the scrap heap” and out of college.

Lucy Powell said it was “unforgivable” that tens of thousands of young people aged 16 to 18 are not in education, employment, or training (Neet) as she called on college leaders to help tackle the crisis.

The Department for Education (DfE) is looking to reduce the number of hours of English and maths that young people in college are required to study for those who are Neet.

Funding “uncertainties” and existing teaching requirements for English and maths are making it harder for further education (FE) colleges to engage young people who are Neet, the Education Secretary suggested.

Speaking at the Association of Colleges (AoC) annual conference, Ms Powell said: “These kids aren’t doing any English and maths at all if they’re at home in their bedroom scrolling on their phones.

“So while English and maths, for example, are an important foundation for every young person’s future, we cannot let the perfect become the enemy of the good.”

Under existing arrangements, 16 to 19-year-olds who do not achieve at least a grade 4 in GCSE English and/or maths are required to continue studying the subjects as a condition of funding.

The Education Secretary called on college leaders across the country to work with the Government to tackle the high number of young people not in education, employment or training (Neet) in the UK.

A review into young people and work, carried out by Alan Milburn, is due to conclude this month.

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