A coalition of 14 prominent social mobility organisations is advocating for the introduction of a “student premium” aimed at supporting disadvantaged young people after they complete their GCSEs. Their appeal comes amid growing concerns that many students from low-income backgrounds may fall into unemployment or disengagement from education without adequate financial backing during these critical years.
Funding Disparities for Post-16 Education
Currently, state-funded schools in England receive additional financial support through the pupil premium, which is designed to assist children from low-income families who are eligible for free school meals. However, campaigners argue that this vital support fades away abruptly once students reach the end of their GCSEs, creating a “funding cliff edge.”
Pepe Di’Iasio, the general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), expressed the urgency of the situation, stating, “Disadvantaged students don’t stop needing support the moment they finish their GCSEs, yet that’s exactly when funding falls away.” He emphasised that the proposed 16-19 student premium would be instrumental in keeping students engaged and achieving vital qualifications in English and maths, thereby reducing the risk of becoming NEET (not in education, employment, or training).
Addressing the NEET Crisis
The coalition estimates that the cost of implementing such a student premium—equivalent to the current pupil premium for secondary schools—would amount to approximately £430 million annually starting from the academic year 2027-28. They are urging the Treasury to allocate these funds as part of a broader initiative to combat the rising NEET statistics, which saw an alarming increase to 957,000 individuals aged 16 to 24 during the last quarter of the previous year, representing 12.8% of that age group.
The attainment levels of disadvantaged students remain significantly lower than their peers by the end of 16-19 education, and those who do not achieve GCSE English and maths are particularly vulnerable to falling into NEET status. The proposed student premium would empower sixth forms and colleges to offer targeted interventions, such as tutoring and mentoring, specifically designed to help these students secure essential qualifications.
Voices of Support
Bill Watkin, chief executive of the Sixth Form Colleges Association, underscored the importance of such 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.”
Sarah Waite, CEO and founder of Get Further—an organisation dedicated to supporting disadvantaged students—echoed this sentiment, asserting that a student premium is crucial for lowering NEET rates and facilitating long-term success for young people.
The campaign has garnered support from various stakeholders, including Lee Elliot Major, a professor of social mobility at the University of Exeter, and Rachel de Souza, the children’s commissioner for England. Major pointed out that the absence of a student premium for those aged 16 and above represents a significant injustice within the educational system, labelling it “a national scandal.”
Government Response and Future Considerations
In light of these concerns, the government is currently reviewing reforms to deprivation funding, with discussions anticipated later this year. Presently, funding is allocated based on the number of pupils receiving free school meals, which typically applies to families with an annual income of less than £7,400.
A spokesperson for the Department for Education stated, “We are determined to break down barriers to opportunity and reach the prime minister’s target for two-thirds of young people to take a gold-standard apprenticeship, higher training or head to university by age 25.” They highlighted a £776 million investment this year to support the most disadvantaged 16-to-19-year-olds as part of a broader £8.6 billion commitment to further education.
Why it Matters
The introduction of a student premium for those aged 16 and over has the potential to reshape the educational landscape for disadvantaged youth in England. By addressing funding gaps at a pivotal stage in their lives, the initiative could significantly reduce the risk of disenfranchisement and unemployment, ultimately allowing these young individuals to thrive. If implemented, this measure could be a crucial step towards fostering social mobility and ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to realise their full potential, regardless of their background.
