Calls for ‘student premium’ to support disadvantaged young people after GCSEs

A coalition of 14 social mobility organisations is urging the government to fund a “student premium” to support disadvantaged young people post-16 and prevent them from “falling through the cracks” into joblessness. State-funded schools in England currently receive additional pupil premium funding to support children from low-income backgrounds, who are eligible for free school meals. However, campaigners say a funding “cliff edge” after GCSEs leaves vulnerable students without the help they need post-16 during the final, important years of compulsory education. “Disadvantaged students don’t stop needing support the moment they finish their GCSEs, yet that’s exactly when funding falls away,” said Pepe Di’Iasio, the general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), one of the organisations signed up to the campaign. “A 16-19 student premium would help schools, colleges and sixth forms keep young people engaged, support achievement in English and maths, and reduce the risk of students becoming Neet [not in education, employment or training].” The coalition estimates the cost of the new student premium, matching pupil premium levels at secondary school, would be about £430m per year from 2027-28, and is calling on the Treasury to provide the additional money as part of the government’s drive to tackle the Neets crisis. …