According to a recent article by Richard Adams in The Guardian (“Ministers call for better tracking of teenagers at risk of dropping out of work or training in England“, 2 July 2026), the UK Government is calling on councils and schools to improve how they identify and support young people at risk of becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training).
The article highlights that official figures show 32,100 young people aged 16 to 17 are currently ‘not known’ to local authorities, meaning councils do not know whether they are in education, employment or training. Ministers argue this lack of information makes it much harder to intervene early and provide the support these young people may need.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has written to councils, particularly those with the highest numbers of untracked young people, asking them to produce improvement plans within six months. The Government also plans to introduce new guidance and tools to help schools, colleges and local authorities identify young people who may be at risk before they disengage.
The article notes that performance varies significantly between local authorities, creating what ministers describe as a “postcode lottery”. While a small number of councils have comprehensive records, others have lost track of a substantial proportion of 16 and 17-year-olds.
The Government says better data is only part of the solution. The wider aim is to ensure vulnerable young people receive timely advice, careers support, education or employment opportunities before they become disconnected from learning or work. The announcement follows growing concern about rising numbers of young people who are not in education, employment or training, with ministers warning that early intervention is key to preventing long-term disadvantage.
Source: Richard Adams, “Ministers call for better tracking of teenagers at risk of dropping out of work or training in England”, The Guardian (2 July 2026).
