A coalition of 14 social mobility organisations is making a passionate appeal to the government for the introduction of a “student premium” to assist disadvantaged young people after they complete their GCSEs. This initiative aims to prevent these students from slipping into unemployment or disengagement as they transition into further education or training.
The Current State of Educational Support
In England, state-funded schools receive additional pupil premium funding aimed at supporting students from low-income backgrounds, particularly those eligible for free school meals. However, advocates argue that a critical gap emerges once students reach the age of 16, leaving those who need support the most without the necessary resources during a pivotal stage in their education.
Pepe Di’Iasio, the general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), highlighted the urgency of this issue. “Disadvantaged students don’t stop needing support the moment they finish their GCSEs,” he said. “Yet that’s exactly when funding falls away.”
The Proposal for a Student Premium
The coalition proposes funding a student premium for those aged 16 to 19, which would mirror the current pupil premium levels allocated to secondary schools. They estimate that implementing this initiative would require an investment of approximately £430 million annually from the 2027-28 academic year. This call for funding comes amid rising concerns about the number of young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET), which reached 957,000—12.8% of the 16 to 24 age group—according to the Office for National Statistics.
A student premium would empower schools, colleges, and sixth forms to offer targeted support, such as tutoring, mentoring, and specialised academic assistance, particularly aimed at helping students achieve essential qualifications in English and maths. 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.”
The Voices Behind the Campaign
The campaign has garnered support from various prominent figures, including Sarah Waite, the founder of Get Further, an organisation dedicated to assisting disadvantaged students in securing vital qualifications. She asserted, “A student premium is long overdue and would play a crucial role in reducing NEET rates and helping more young people achieve lifelong success.”
Equally supportive is Lee Elliot Major, a professor of social mobility at the University of Exeter, who criticises the current lack of funding for post-16 education as a significant injustice. “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,” he stated.
The children’s commissioner for England, Rachel de Souza, echoed these sentiments, emphasising the need for better-targeted resources to ensure all children can successfully transition into adulthood and employment.
Government Response and Future Considerations
The government is currently evaluating the existing deprivation funding structure, with officials expressing concerns about its effectiveness in reaching the most disadvantaged students. A consultation regarding potential reforms is expected to take place later this year.
In response to growing demands for improved educational resources, a spokesperson for the Department for Education affirmed their commitment to dismantling barriers to opportunity. They noted that this year alone, £776 million is allocated to support the most disadvantaged 16-to-19-year-olds as part of a broader £8.6 billion investment in further education.
Additionally, the government is focusing on preventative measures, including the expansion of free school meals and free breakfast clubs, aimed at addressing the needs of students before they enter college.
Why it Matters
The introduction of a student premium for post-16 education could significantly reshape the landscape of educational support for disadvantaged youths in England. By ensuring that financial assistance continues beyond GCSEs, we can help bridge the gap that often leads to disengagement and unemployment. This initiative is not merely about funding; it represents an essential commitment to equity in education, providing every young person with the chance to thrive and succeed in their future endeavours. Investing in our youth is investing in the future of our society.
