NEET
Not in Education, Employment or Training
NEET refers to young people aged 16–24 who are not in education, employment or training. It is a key policy measure tracked by the Department for Education and local authorities. Reducing NEET rates is a central goal of careers education — schools with strong careers programmes consistently achieve better destinations data and lower NEET rates.
Key facts
- Around 11% of 16–24 year olds in England are NEET at any given time (ONS, 2023)
- Young people from disadvantaged backgrounds are disproportionately represented in NEET statistics
- Schools are required to track the destinations of students for at least two years after leaving
- Gatsby Benchmark 3 (Individual Needs) specifically addresses identifying and supporting students at risk of becoming NEET
- Local authorities have statutory duties to support NEET young people under the Education and Training (Welfare of Young Persons) Act 2021
Frequently asked questions
What does NEET mean in education?
NEET stands for Not in Education, Employment or Training. It describes young people aged 16–24 who are not participating in any of these activities. It is a key measure of post-school outcomes tracked by the DfE, local authorities, and schools. Reducing NEET rates is a primary goal of the national careers education strategy.
How do schools identify students at risk of becoming NEET?
Schools identify NEET risk through a combination of: attendance and attainment data, careers guidance records, knowledge of personal circumstances (SEND, Pupil Premium, looked-after status), and engagement levels with careers activities. Gatsby Benchmark 3 requires schools to address individual needs — this includes early identification and targeted intervention for students who may not progress to positive destinations.
Are schools required to track NEET data?
Schools must participate in the DfE's destination measures data collection, which tracks the destinations of Year 11 and Year 13 leavers. Local authorities also have duties to track young people's participation and identify those who are NEET. Strong careers education, employer encounters, and personal guidance all contribute to improving destinations outcomes.
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