New inquiry into education and training participation for 16-18 year olds

The Public Accounts Committee has launched a new inquiry into education and training participation for 16-18 year olds.

It will look into the challenges the Department for Education faces in reducing the number of young people who are not in education or training, as well as the progress that has been made so far.

The move was welcomed by Kirstie Donnelly, UK manager for awarding body City & Guilds, which recently published a report that showed policymaking in the area often focuses on short-term reform.

“In fact, one of our key recommendations that came out of the review was that there should be further inquiry into the skills and employment system ahead of the General Election to inform long-term planning,” she said.

“There has been too much back and forth when it comes to education policy, when what we really need to see is stability. I hope this inquiry helps policymakers learn from past successes and mistakes to yield better, long-lasting results that help meet Britain’s skills needs.”

Natalie Thornhill