Listen to this story Members can listen to an AI-generated audio version of this article. 1.0x Audio narration uses an AI-generated voice. 0:00 0:00 Become a member to listen to this article Subscribe Successful strategies for helping disengaged young people transition into post-16 education will be highlighted in a new Ofsted-led study aimed at tackling rising NEET numbers. The watchdog and Department for Education have jointly commissioned research into “effective” strategies for helping 16 to 18-year-olds remain in education, employment or training. The study will identify practices from schools, colleges and training providers that helps young people stay engaged, prevents dropouts and support those who have already disengaged to re-enter education or training. More than one million young people are currently estimated to be classed as not in education, employment or training (NEET). Former Labour health minister Alan Milburn is currently running a national review into youth participation in work and education. His interim report in May warned of a post-16 system prioritised on enrolling young people into college rather of helping them progress into work. His final recommendations are expected this autumn. According to the terms of reference of the Ofsted and DfE review, published today, the inspectorate will investigate how schools and post-16 providers support young people as they move into their next destination. Ofsted will examine its “rich” inspection evidence on a national scale that covers factors linked to disengagement such as attendance, inclusion, personal development and careers education. Ofsted stressed that its role in this project is not to set new statutory expectations, but to identify effective practice and emerging evidence that can inform inspection practice, provider guidance and policy development. Researchers will examine how schools, colleges and training providers identify and tackle barriers that increase a young person’s risk of becoming disengaged. They will also assess how far existing inspection evidence captures the strategies providers use to prevent young people becoming disengaged and subsequently NEET. The research will include case studies from eight local authority areas, examining how schools, post-16 providers and councils work together on prevention, transition and reengagement. From the next academic year, researchers will interview school, college and local authority staff, alongside young people during the summer, autumn and winter terms, to track their experiences of the post-16 pathway. A final report is expected in early to mid-2027.
Phillip Hatton 1 September 2026 When Panorama highlighted poor practice with apprenticeships and franchising I led a rapid response survey that led to many changes for Ofsted. We are in an emergency situation at the moment and the rapid response model is required if we are to make a difference for the wasted million young people.
Alison Elizabeth Scott 3 September 2026 Alan Milburn appears to assume that it is better for young people to go straight into work or apprenticeships, and that too many young people go into colleges for their post-16 next steps. Absolutely, going into work is a great outcome, but many young people who have been NEET are not yet ready for apprenticeships or work. This is where the wrap-around support of post-16 college courses can support and enable progression by developing work-readiness skills alongside vocational knowledge.