A coalition of 14 social mobility organisations has come together to advocate for a “student premium” aimed at supporting disadvantaged young people during the crucial post-GCSE years. The initiative seeks to address a concerning funding gap that risks leaving many vulnerable students without essential resources as they transition into further education or training.
Funding Disparities Post-GCSE
Currently, state-funded schools in England benefit from additional pupil premium funding, designed to assist children from low-income families—those eligible for free school meals. However, campaigners have raised alarms over a “funding cliff edge” that occurs after students complete their GCSEs.
Pepe Di’Iasio, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), emphasised that the need for support does not cease once students finish their GCSEs. “Disadvantaged students don’t stop needing support the moment they finish their GCSEs, yet that’s exactly when funding falls away,” he stated.
The proposed 16-19 student premium would enable schools, colleges, and sixth forms to maintain engagement among young people, bolster achievements in English and maths, and curb the rising rates of NEET (not in education, employment, or training) among this demographic.
The Cost of Inaction
The coalition estimates that implementing the student premium, which would match current pupil premium levels, would require approximately £430 million annually starting in the 2027-28 academic year. The group is urging the Treasury to allocate this funding as part of a broader strategy to combat the alarming NEET crisis.
According to the Office for National Statistics, the number of NEET individuals aged 16 to 24 surged to 957,000 in the last quarter of the previous year, representing 12.8% of that age group. The coalition asserts that students facing disadvantages continue to lag behind their peers, particularly those lacking GCSE qualifications in English and maths, making them more susceptible to NEET status.
Targeted Interventions Are Key
A dedicated student premium would empower sixth forms and colleges to implement targeted interventions, such as tutoring, mentoring, and personalised academic support. These measures would be particularly vital for helping students attain crucial English and maths qualifications.
Bill Watkin, Chief Executive of the Sixth Form Colleges Association, remarked, “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.”
Sarah Waite, CEO and Founder of Get Further, which aids disadvantaged students in achieving essential qualifications, echoed this sentiment: “A student premium is long overdue and would play a crucial role in reducing NEET rates and helping more young people achieve lifelong success.”
Broader Support for the Initiative
The call for a student premium has garnered support from various experts and organisations. Lee Elliot Major, a Professor of Social Mobility at the University of Exeter, described the absence of such funding as one of the “great injustices” plaguing the education system. He labelled it a “national scandal” that support for under-resourced young people diminishes during formative years that significantly affect their life trajectories.
Rachel de Souza, the Children’s Commissioner for England, also weighed in, stating, “If we are serious about closing the disadvantage gap and ensuring every child succeeds in their learning and transition to adulthood and employment, we must make certain that colleges have the resources they need to support them.”
Among the coalition are notable organisations such as the Association of Colleges, the Fair Education Alliance, and the Sutton Trust, all advocating for a fairer distribution of resources.
A Government Under Pressure
The government is currently contemplating reforms to deprivation funding, with ministers expressing concerns over its efficacy in reaching those who are most disadvantaged. A consultation on this issue is expected later this year. Presently, disadvantage funding is allocated based on the number of pupils receiving free school meals, a criterion that generally applies to families with annual incomes below £7,400.
A spokesperson for the Department for Education reaffirmed the government’s commitment to breaking down barriers to opportunity, highlighting an investment of £776 million this year to support underprivileged 16-to-19-year-olds as part of an £8.6 billion commitment to further education. Additionally, they are addressing issues earlier in the educational journey through initiatives like free breakfast clubs and expanded free school meals.
Why it Matters
This push for a student premium reflects a critical understanding of the challenges faced by disadvantaged youth in the UK. As educational attainment continues to diverge along socioeconomic lines, the proposed funding initiative could provide essential support to help bridge the gap. Without such intervention, the risk of young adults falling into a cycle of unemployment and disconnection from education will only deepen, impacting not just individuals but society as a whole. Investing in the futures of these young people is not merely a matter of equity; it is a vital step towards fostering a more inclusive and prosperous society.
