Research reveals post-A-Level opportunity disparity in West of England
Rising NEET rates in Bristol highlight inequality challenges
Newly released research from the Brunel Centre has exposed stark inequalities in opportunities available to young people following their A-Level results in the West of England.
The study pointed out that Bristol’s NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) rate for 16 and 17-year-olds has escalated dramatically, increasing from approximately 2.8% in 2019 to almost 6% in 2025.
This places the city above the national average, indicating concerning trends in youth engagement post-education.
The disparity is closely tied to socioeconomic status, with those from higher-professional households significantly more likely to find employment and less likely to become NEET than individuals from lower-working-class families.
Despite the region’s employment rate, which surpasses the national average, the report underscores that not every young person benefits equally from the area's economic growth.
“A Level Results Day is an important moment, but it is only one stage in a much longer journey," said Dr Lucy Martin, from the Brunel Centre.
“The West of England benefits from a highly skilled economy and world-leading educational institutions, yet our research shows that not all young people experience the same opportunities.
"The challenge for the region is to ensure that every young person, whatever their background or pathway, can make a successful transition into further study, skills training or employment.
"Supporting those transitions will be critical to both inclusive growth and long-term economic prosperity."