Participating in education or training beyond the age of 16 offers young people an opportunity to get qualifications and experience that can significantly increase their prospects of future employment and earnings:
- people with five or more GCSEs at A* - C earn, on average, 9-11% more than those without
- getting two or more A levels leads to men earning £80,000 and women £110,000 more over the course of their lifetime more than someone whose highest attainment is getting 5 or more GCSEs A*-C
- getting a level 3 Apprenticeship increases earnings by an estimated £105,000 and a level 2 Apprenticeship by £73,000.
The Government has committed to increasing the number of places in education and training for 16-18 year olds as we prepare to raise the participation age to 18 by 2015. Local authorities have a duty to ensure that sufficient, suitable places are available to meet the reasonable needs of all young people, and to encourage them to participate.
The information in this section has been written to help local areas to increase participation in education by those aged 16 and over. As well as the latest statistics, you can find out about supporting young people's transition to education and training at age 16, our commitment to raising the participation age, and support for young people not in education, employment or training (NEET).
