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A coalition of 14 organisations focused on social mobility is urging the government to introduce a “student premium” aimed at supporting disadvantaged young people as they transition from GCSEs to further education. The initiative seeks to address growing concerns that many vulnerable students are at risk of falling into unemployment or disengagement from education during this critical phase of their development.
A Funding Cliff Edge
Currently, state-funded schools in England benefit from additional funding, known as pupil premium, which assists children from low-income backgrounds who qualify for free school meals. However, this support diminishes sharply after students complete their GCSEs, leaving many without the necessary resources during the pivotal years of post-16 education.
Pepe Di’Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), remarked, “Disadvantaged students don’t stop needing support the moment they finish their GCSEs, yet that’s exactly when funding falls away.” He emphasised that a dedicated 16-19 student premium would enable schools and colleges to maintain engagement with these young people, bolster their achievements in English and maths, and ultimately reduce the risk of them becoming NEET—Not in Education, Employment, or Training.
The Cost of Inaction
The coalition estimates that the proposed student premium, which would mirror the existing pupil premium, could cost approximately £430 million annually starting from the 2027-28 academic year. They are appealing to the Treasury to allocate these funds as part of a broader strategy to combat the rising number of young people disengaging from education and work.
Recent statistics from the Office for National Statistics revealed that in the last quarter of the previous year, 957,000 individuals aged 16 to 24 were classified as NEET, amounting to 12.8% of that age group. Alarmingly, students who do not achieve GCSEs in English and maths are among those most vulnerable to falling into this category.
Targeted Interventions for Success
A student premium for those aged 16-19 would empower sixth forms and colleges to implement tailored support measures, such as mentoring, tutoring, and specialised academic assistance, particularly aimed at helping students secure essential English and maths qualifications.
Bill Watkin, chief executive of the Sixth Form Colleges Association, asserted, “This targeted, additional investment would make a real difference and help to reduce the number of disadvantaged young people that disengage from education after the age of 16.” Similarly, Sarah Waite, CEO and founder of Get Further, highlighted the timeliness of such a premium, declaring it essential for lowering NEET rates and enhancing the prospects of young people seeking lifelong success.
Prominent figures supporting the campaign include Professor Lee Elliot Major from the University of Exeter, who described the absence of a student premium for post-16 education as a profound injustice within the education system. He stated, “It is a national scandal that support for young people from under-resourced backgrounds falls away during the very years that so profoundly shape their life chances.” Children’s Commissioner for England, Rachel de Souza, echoed this sentiment, insisting that increased resources are vital for ensuring every child can successfully transition into adulthood and employment.
Government Response and Future Considerations
The government is currently reviewing its approach to deprivation funding, with indications that ministers are concerned about its effectiveness in reaching the most disadvantaged students. A consultation is anticipated later this year, aimed at refining how funding is allocated based on criteria such as free school meal eligibility, which is available to families with an annual income of less than £7,400.
In a recent statement, a spokesperson for the Department for Education reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing opportunities for all young people. They noted, “This year we are providing £776 million to support the most disadvantaged 16-to-19-year-olds to achieve and thrive as part of our £8.6 billion investment in further education.” The government is also addressing issues earlier in the educational pipeline by expanding access to free breakfast clubs and school meals, as well as lifting the two-child benefit cap.
Why it Matters
The proposed student premium represents a crucial step towards ensuring that disadvantaged young people receive the support they need during a formative period of their lives. As society grapples with rising youth unemployment and educational inequality, the call for a dedicated funding initiative underscores a collective responsibility to safeguard the futures of those most at risk. By investing in these young individuals today, we can help to create a more equitable and prosperous tomorrow for everyone.
