Bradford celebrates best-ever NEET figures
Bradford is celebrating its best-ever performance on reducing the number of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET), with the district performing better than the national average.
New figures published by the Department for Education show that just 4.1% of 16–18-year-olds in Bradford were classed as NEET or their situation was unknown during the latest target period. This is well below the national average of 5.6%, and a further improvement on Bradford’s previous best of 4.4% last year.
This continued progress means Bradford has moved into the top half of the national league table having previously been towards the bottom.
Councillor Imran Khan, Deputy Leader of Bradford Council and Portfolio Holder for Education, Employment and Skills, said:
“This is fantastic progress and shows that the work we’re doing to support young people into education, training and jobs is making a real difference.
“We’re monitoring and supporting more young people than ever before – around 16,500 – and doing so more effectively, thanks to better data, outreach and targeted support through our SkillsHouse partnership.
“Every young person in Bradford deserves the best start in life. Staying in education or training or having a job at this stage of life is vital for future prospects. So, this steady progress is something we’re very proud of – and determined to keep building on.”
Bradford has one of the largest 16–18-year-old populations in the country, yet is outperforming many similar areas. The district is also doing particularly well in supporting vulnerable groups, with care leavers and young people with special educational needs more likely to be in education, training or work here than nationally. The NEET rate for looked-after children in Bradford is less than half the national rate – 10.9% compared to 22.8%.
Bradford Council and its partners will continue to build on this progress through improved data sharing, early intervention in schools, and targeted careers and training support via SkillsHouse.
SkillsHouse is Bradford Council's all age careers and employability service offering support to people across the District to find appropriate training or support into employment. The team also provides information, advice and guidance to young people with their post 16 options.
With A-Level and GCSE results days approaching, SkillsHouse is on hand to support young people with their next steps. The team will be hosting a Next Steps event on 21 August in the Broadway Shopping Centre in Bradford with careers advisers and other local training providers on hand to give advice to young people on their options, like further study, training, or getting a job.