Young people from disadvantaged neighbourhoods are significantly less likely to progress to university or any further education, employment or training than their more privileged peers.
Data shows that the most disadvantaged young people in England are 4 times less likely to attend university than the least disadvantaged group. This difference increases to 11.4 times less likely for higher tariff institutions (UCAS End of Cycle Report, 2021). These students are less likely to have family members or other role models who have attended university and therefore may not see this as a potential pathway.
Data also shows that young people from disadvantaged backgrounds are 50% more likely to be NEET (not in education, employment or training) than their similarly qualified but better-off peers, but that young people from disadvantaged backgrounds with better qualifications are less likely to be NEET (Youth Jobs Gap: Establishing the Employment Gap, Impetus, 2019).
We believe that, with support, every young person can achieve their chosen aspiration, whether that is further or higher education, employment or training and we are committed to helping them on that journey.
In 2019/20, the gap in progression rates between FSM and non-FSM pupils increased to 19.1 percentage points, up 0.3 percentage points since last year and the largest gap since 2005/06 (26.6% of FSM students compared to 45.7% of non-FSM students).
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Young people from disadvantaged backgrounds are four times less likely to progress to Higher Education and 11.4 times less likely to progress to a higher tariff university than their more advantaged peers.
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"While 29% of young people without level 2 qualifications (GCSE equivalent) by age 18 were NEET, only 15% of young people with those qualifications were NEET. For young people with level 3 qualifications (A level equivalent), this figure drops to 8%. Each extra step up the qualifications ladder halves your chances of being NEET."
Read the report hereOur work is based upon sound public research into both the need for our work and the effectiveness of our approach. Find out more about the barriers young people are facing below.
The link between economic disadvantage and educational underachievement permeates every stage of a young person’s education. …
Where young people are growing up in the UK affects their opportunities and life chances.
We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to access the benefits Higher Education can provide.
Early intervention is key in breaking down barriers to education and encouraging young people to think about their futures before their attitudes towards study become fixed.
