Headteacher's Blog #30

I am writing a slightly longer blog this week to give parents a summary of an important report that is likely to shape government policy over the next decade and beyond. Many parents will have seen recent headlines about increasing numbers of young people who are described as NEET – not in education, employment or training – and may be wondering what this actually means for their own child. A major national review led by Alan Milburn, published in May 2026, set out to understand why this is happening and why it matters.

What it found is both concerning and important for families to understand. As a school leader I have seen the trends described in this report intensify since the pandemic and we are working hard as a school to try to adapt ourselves to this changing context. This is clearly challenging but this is our commitment to the LSA community.

At the heart of the report is the scale of the issue. Around one million young people aged 16 to 24 in the UK are currently NEET, which is roughly one in eight, and that number is rising rather than falling. There is a real concern that, without change, this could grow to one in six young people over the next few years. That’s why the report talks about the risk of a “lost generation” – not as a dramatic headline, but as a genuine warning about what could happen if things stay the same.

One of the most important messages for parents is that this is not about young people lacking motivation. In fact, the report is very clear that most young people who are NEET actually want to be in work or learning. The issue is not effort or attitude, but opportunity and support. The systems that are meant to help young people move successfully from school into work or further study are no longer working as well as they should, and many young people are falling through the gaps as a result.

Part of the problem is that the nature of being NEET has changed. It is no longer just about being temporarily unemployed. A growing number of young people are becoming completely disconnected from the labour market, with many not actively seeking work at all. This is reflected in the statistic that around six in ten young people who are NEET have never had a job, which shows how deep and long-lasting this disengagement can be. 

The report highlights several reasons why this is happening. The job market itself has changed significantly. There are fewer entry-level jobs and apprenticeships than there used to be, making it harder for young people to take their first steps into employment. Employers also report a mismatch between the skills young people leave education with and what is needed in the workplace, particularly around communication, teamwork and problem-solving. 

Health and wellbeing, particularly mental health, have also become a much bigger factor than in the past. The report shows that a large proportion of young people who are NEET have a disability or health condition, with mental health playing a central role. For many, these challenges make it harder not just to find work, but to feel ready for it in the first place. 

Another key issue is that problems often begin earlier than people might expect. Factors like low attainment, persistent absence, additional needs or difficult personal circumstances can all increase the risk of a young person becoming NEET later on. This is why the report places so much emphasis on what happens during the school years, not just after young people leave education. 

What also comes through strongly is that support for young people is often too fragmented. Schools, colleges, employers, health services and government programmes do not always work closely enough together, which means young people can struggle to navigate what options are available to them. When support isn’t joined up, it becomes much easier for someone to lose direction at a key transition point. 

For families, the reason this matters is the long-term impact. Spending time NEET can affect not just a young person’s immediate prospects, but their confidence, wellbeing and future earnings. The report suggests that individuals who spend time out of work or education can lose significant income over their lifetime and find it harder to establish stable careers later on. More widely, the economic cost is huge, estimated at around £125 billion each year, reflecting lost productivity and increased demand on public services. 

So where does this leave parents? Although the report highlights big, national issues, it also reinforces how important the role of family is. Simple things like maintaining good attendance, encouraging positive routines, talking about future options and taking mental health concerns seriously all make a real difference. Keeping conversations open about different pathways – whether that’s sixth form, college, apprenticeships or employment – can help young people feel more confident about what comes next.

Schools are also very aware of these challenges and are working hard to respond, whether that’s through stronger careers education, earlier support for those at risk of disengagement, or a greater focus on building the skills young people need for adult life. But the key message from the Milburn review is that this is a shared effort. No single school, parent or service can solve the issue alone.

While the headlines around NEET can feel worrying, there is also a positive message running through the report. Young people have not given up. They still have ambition and potential. With the right support, guidance and opportunities, they can and do succeed. For parents, staying engaged, informed and supportive is one of the most powerful ways to help ensure that your child moves confidently into their next stage of life