Education and Training: Fewer young people fall through Connexions net

Connexions' annual census of 16- to 18-year-olds not in education, employment or training (NEET) shows that Connexions had lost track of just over five per cent of young people at the end of November 2005, compared with a target of 6.6 per cent. In 2003, the figure was 15 per cent. The figures are being verified by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES).

The data also shows that the number of disengaged young people in this age group is falling, having stayed static at 8.4 per cent last year.

The proportion involved in learning is increasing.

Dominic Ambler, research assistant at the National Association of Connexions Partners, said there was a "mixed picture" of success across the country over the past few months in getting young people into education, employment or training, but definite improvement in partnerships' ability to keep track of young people. "Partnerships are getting on top of doing follow-up work," he added.