White children less likely to stay in education after GCSEs

Statistics published by the Department for Education show that the proportion of students in continuous education, employment or training six months after completing their GCSEs rose from 91 per cent in 2012/13 to 92 per cent in 2013/14 – the equivalent of 15,500 more young people.

The figures show that students from Asian, black, and other ethnic origin backgrounds had the highest percentage in sustained education, employment or training destinations (94 per cent).

Whereas students from white and mixed ethnic origin backgrounds had the lowest percentages (91 per cent), which are below the national figure for sustained destinations of 92 per cent.

Meanwhile, the proportion of students in continuous education, employment or training six months after completing their A-levels rose from 71 per cent in 2012/13 to 73 per cent in 2013/14 - the equivalent of around 18,000 more young people.

White ethnic origin students had the lowest percentage (72 per cent) continuing in education or training, compared with black (83 per cent), Asian (83 per cent), and mixed ethnic origins background (73 per cent).

Schools Minister Nick Gibb said: "Ensuring all young people have the knowledge and skills they need to unlock their potential is a key part of this government’s commitment to social justice.

"It is therefore extremely encouraging to see a growing number of young people are either continuing to study, or going into training or employment after GCSEs.

"Destination measures help to hold schools and colleges to account, and ensure that in future even more young people are either studying or training from the age of 16."