I want to be something: better opportunities for young people

People
ReportsResourcesJune 7th, 2018

What opportunities are there for young people who don’t achieve five ‘good’ GCSEs? Our report, based on interviews with 35 young people and a wide range of stakeholders, contains agenda-setting recommendations to make the post-16 sector more inclusive.

In August 2017, one in three year 11 pupils in Wales left school without five GCSEs at grades A*-C – a benchmark moment with life-changing consequences. Their achievements do not necessarily reflect their ability – illness, emotional difficulties or lack of awareness of the importance of these examinations can all affect results. The risk of not obtaining five A*-C GCSEs is highest for pupils eligible for Free School Meals or on the Special Educational Needs register.

The opportunities that are available for these young people typically include:

  • Further Education: GCSE re-sits in some subjects, entry level, Level 1 and Level 2 courses, and military preparation college.
  • Work-based learning: Engagement and Level 1 traineeships, foundation, and Level 3 apprenticeships.
  • Employment: Jobs Growth Wales and other local employment opportunities
  • NEET support: Local projects aimed at young people Not in Education, Employment or Training.

Our research has identified significant issues that can affect the pathways young people follow. This report sets out the Bevan Foundation’s agenda-setting recommendations for an inclusive approach to post-16 that allows all young people to meet their full potential. These include:

  • A Youth Advice Pledge
  • Youth Prospects
  • Better Access, and
  • Better monitoring

Philip Jones, Director of The Prince’s Trust Cymru said:

“At The Prince’s Trust Cymru, we wholeheartedly welcome The Bevan Foundation’s call for a Youth Advice Pledge, as outlined in the report. It is hugely important to us that all young people in Wales have the opportunity to live, learn and earn, regardless of their life circumstances. We regularly encounter young people facing barriers to accessing opportunities, who are often unsure of what is available to them. We therefore support this report and its efforts to remove said barriers to helping local people reach their full potential.”

The project was kindly funded by the Garfield Weston Foundation, Community Union and numerous individual donations. Our sincere thanks to all for making it possible.

Format: PDF (2.6MB)
Pages: 62
Price: Free
Language:  English

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