Calls for ‘student premium’ to support disadvantaged young people after GCSEs
Summary
A group of 14 social mobility organizations is asking the UK government to create a "student premium" to support disadvantaged young people aged 16 to 19 in schools and colleges. This funding would help prevent them from dropping out or staying without education, jobs, or training after finishing their GCSE exams.Key Facts
- Currently, schools in England get extra funding called "pupil premium" to support children from low-income families up to age 16.
- After GCSEs, this extra funding stops, leaving vulnerable students without support during important years of education.
- The coalition suggests a "student premium" for 16-19-year-olds costing about £430 million per year starting in 2027-28.
- About 12.8% of 16 to 24-year-olds in England were not in education, employment, or training (known as "Neet") at the end of 2023.
- Students without GCSE English and maths are at the highest risk of becoming Neet.
- The new funding would help schools offer extra tutoring, mentoring, and academic support, especially in English and maths.
- Many education leaders and experts call the lack of funding after 16 a major problem that hurts young people’s future chances.
- The government is reviewing how this kind of funding is given and may make changes later this year.
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