A coalition of 14 social mobility organisations is advocating for the introduction of a “student premium” aimed at supporting disadvantaged young people aged 16 to 19 in England. This initiative seeks to address a critical funding shortfall that leaves vulnerable students at risk of disengagement from education, training, and employment. The campaign highlights the pressing need for financial resources to sustain educational support during a crucial transition period in a young person’s life.
The Funding Gap After GCSEs
Currently, state-funded schools in England benefit from additional pupil premium funding designed to assist children from low-income families who qualify for free school meals. However, this financial support abruptly diminishes after students complete their GCSEs, at a time when they continue to require substantial assistance. Pepe Di’Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), a key player in this coalition, emphasised the inconsistency of funding: “Disadvantaged students don’t stop needing support the moment they finish their GCSEs, yet that’s exactly when funding falls away.”
The proposed student premium would mirror the existing pupil premium levels for secondary schools, costing approximately £430 million annually from 2027-28. Advocates are urging the Treasury to allocate these funds as part of a broader strategy to tackle the rising number of young people classified as NEET (not in education, employment, or training).
Rising NEET Rates and Educational Disparities
Recent figures from the Office for National Statistics reveal a concerning trend, with 957,000 individuals aged 16 to 24 reported as NEET by the end of last year, representing 12.8% of this demographic. The coalition argues that students from disadvantaged backgrounds are disproportionately affected, with their educational attainment lagging significantly behind their peers by the end of 16-19 education. Those who do not achieve GCSE qualifications in English and maths are particularly vulnerable to falling into NEET status.
By establishing a student premium, sixth forms and colleges could implement tailored interventions such as tutoring and mentoring, aimed at helping students gain essential qualifications. Bill Watkin, chief executive of the Sixth Form Colleges Association, affirmed the necessity of targeted investment, stating, “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.”
Support from Educational Leaders
The campaign has garnered support from prominent figures in education, including Sarah Waite, CEO of Get Further, an organisation dedicated to assisting disadvantaged students in securing vital qualifications. Waite remarked that the introduction of a student premium is “long overdue” and essential for reducing NEET rates and fostering long-term success for young individuals.
Professor Lee Elliot Major, an expert in social mobility from the University of Exeter, decried the absence of financial support post-16 as a significant injustice within the education system, labelling it a national scandal. Children’s Commissioner for England, Rachel de Souza, echoed this sentiment, stressing the urgency of providing colleges with adequate resources to ensure that every child can successfully transition into adulthood and employment.
Government’s Response and Future Considerations
In light of these calls for reform, the government is currently reviewing its approach to deprivation funding. Ministers have expressed concerns over its effectiveness in targeting those most in need, with a consultation on the matter anticipated later this year. At present, disadvantage funding is allocated based on the number of students at a school receiving free school meals, which are typically available to families earning less than £7,400 annually.
A spokesperson for the Department for Education reiterated their commitment to dismantling barriers to opportunity, highlighting an investment of £776 million this year to support disadvantaged 16-to-19-year-olds as part of an overarching £8.6 billion investment in further education. The spokesperson also noted initiatives aimed at addressing issues before students reach college, including the expansion of free breakfast clubs and free school meals.
Why it Matters
The introduction of a student premium for those aged 16 to 19 is not just a financial necessity; it is a moral imperative. As the gap between privileged and disadvantaged students continues to widen, ensuring equitable access to education and support becomes paramount. By investing in the future of these young individuals, society is not only enhancing their life chances but also nurturing a more inclusive and prosperous economy. Addressing educational disparities is essential for fostering social mobility and ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to thrive in an increasingly competitive world.
