Thousands of teens missing education 'under the radar' of official stats, report warns
Summary
A report warns that many teenagers aged 16 and 17 in England who are officially recorded as studying at college are often absent and not receiving enough support. The report suggests that tens of thousands more young people may be missing education or work than official numbers show because colleges do not track attendance like schools do.Key Facts
- About 42,000 teenagers are officially enrolled in college but miss at least half of their classes.
- Colleges in England are not required to collect or report attendance data, unlike schools.
- More than half of 16- and 17-year-olds are estimated to be persistently absent from college, missing 10% or more of sessions.
- Around 5.9% (about 42,000) are severely absent, missing at least half of their college sessions.
- The Department for Education plans to help colleges track attendance and gather data centrally.
- Factors causing absence include part-time work, travel costs, and effects from the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Mental health challenges and the need to work are common reasons for missing classes.
- Recommendations include collecting attendance data, improving mental health support, offering free bus travel, and increasing work experience opportunities.
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