An analysis into the destinations of Year 11 pupils in 2009 has shown record numbers of students in the borough are leaving school and finding themselves in the positive situation of being in education, training or employment.
The Connexions 'Moving On 2009' report shows several record key findings, most significantly that, despite the worsening economic climate, the overall Not in Education Training or Employment (NEET) rate for Year 11's has remained exactly the same as last year at 4.7%.
Other key findings show that:
- The number of pupils staying on for further education in colleges or schools has increased by 2% from 83.7% in 2008 to 85.4% this year
- Very few leavers (1.4%) actually went into direct employment, but 7.5% chose LSC-funded training as their pathway into employment
- Participation in further education, training or jobs with recognised training has reached an all time high of 94%
- In total, only 15 young people (0.5%) entered employment with no degree of training planned.
Connexions is the national young people's information, advice and guidance service provided, locally, by Positive Steps Oldham. It's chief executive, Tim Mitchell comments:
"This summer we celebrated record numbers of Year 11's gaining GCSE qualifications and the figures in this report follow that trend"
"By 2013, the Government aims to see all 17 year olds participation in learning so with 94% Oldham is well on the way towards that target.
"Significantly this year we have been able to track young people's progress much more thoroughly when they've been applying for post year 11 options, i.e. training courses, or college places. This has meant that Connexions personal advisers (PAs) were able to work with pupils who had not been successful with their first choice in making alternative applications for September.
"Throughout the year PA's, based in all secondary schools in Oldham, have worked intensively with specific young people in school that have been identified as needing extra help with their post Year 11 options.
"We have worked with, and tracked the progress of over 3280 Year 11 pupils which would have been impossible without the support given and information provided by agencies that have worked with Connexions throughout the past twelve months."
