A coalition of 14 organisations advocating for social mobility is urging the government to introduce a ‘student premium’ to assist disadvantaged young people after they complete their GCSEs. This initiative aims to prevent students from slipping into unemployment or disengagement from education and training. Current funding structures are perceived as inadequate, leaving vulnerable students without essential support during the critical post-16 phase of their education.
Funding Gaps for Vulnerable Students
At present, state-funded schools in England receive additional financial support through the pupil premium, specifically designed to aid children from low-income families who qualify for free school meals. However, advocates argue that this support drastically diminishes after GCSEs, creating a funding “cliff edge” that jeopardises the educational outcomes of students who require ongoing assistance.
Pepe Di’Iasio, the general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), emphasised that “disadvantaged students don’t stop needing support the moment they finish their GCSEs.” He highlighted the necessity for a dedicated financial framework that would help educational institutions maintain student engagement and support achievement in critical subjects such as English and maths.
The Financial Implications
The coalition estimates that implementing the proposed student premium, which would align with existing pupil premium funding levels, would require an annual investment of approximately £430 million starting from the 2027-28 academic year. This funding is deemed essential to address the rising concern over youth not in education, employment, or training (Neet). Recent statistics from the Office for National Statistics revealed that 957,000 individuals aged 16 to 24 were classified as Neet in the final quarter of last year, representing 12.8% of this demographic.
The absence of English and maths qualifications at the age of 16 significantly heightens the risk of students becoming Ne