THE NATIONAL YOUTH AGENCY: Comment - That'll teach them

It reflects the geographic concentration of poverty, social exclusion and increased segregation in the school system itself.

A decade ago HMI inspectors in their unique study of urban education concluded: "The rising tide of educational change is not lifting these boats." They would make the same judgment today despite a raft of school-based initiatives and a considerable increase in their funding. We are creating schools and communities of the left-behind.

In time, the reforms proposed by Mike Tomlinson for exams and curriculum should help. But the difficulties cannot be left to schools to solve.

The Connexions Service is well placed to guide individuals, especially if it can focus its endeavours on those most in need. Research has shown that study support provided out of school hours produces results. Projects funded by The NYA's Neighbourhood Support Fund programme demonstrate how effective youth work is with those who have not found that schooling meets their needs. Fairbridge, the YMCA, Weston Spirit and others can point to similar outcomes. They show how youth work complements formal education but is also an important education service in its own right, especially with over-16s.