‘More inclusive schools see pupils less likely to become Neet’ – University of Leeds study
A study by researchers at the University of Leeds found schools that suspend fewer pupils, see pupils make more progress from primary school attainment
Secondary schools that are “more inclusive” see pupils less likely to drop out at age 16 and be not in education, employment or training (Neet) within six months of finishing year 11, researchers have suggested.
A study by researchers at the University of Leeds found schools that suspend fewer pupils, see pupils make more progress from primary school attainment, and have their own post-16 provision are less likely to see pupils become Neet after they finish GCSE year.
The researchers said the findings showed the importance of schools being inclusive and avoiding punitive behaviour measures.
It comes after the Government vowed to make schools more inclusive as part of its reforms to the special educational needs and disabilities (Send) system.
Lead researcher Robin Evans, PhD candidate at the Leeds Institute of Data Analytics, said: “Our research shows that inclusion isn’t just a buzzword – it works.
“Some schools are already getting this right, so if we want to reduce the number of young people becoming Neet, we need accountability measures that value what truly makes a difference.
Nearly a million (957,000) 16 to 24-year-olds were Neet in October to December 2025, an estimated 12.8% of all the 16 to 24-year-olds in the UK.
Within that, 67,000 16 to 17-year-olds were classed as Neet, around 4.1% of the population group, according to the Office for National Statistics.
The study classed schools as more inclusive if they had lower suspension rates and used behaviour policies that were restorative rather than punitive, if they have on-site post-16 provision pupils could stay on in, and if they scored higher in Progress 8, a measure of how pupils’ outcomes improve from their baseline.
It then analysed data from more than 3,000 mainstream schools over the academic years from 2021/22 to 2023/24 looking at what leavers were doing up to six months after finishing year 11.
Researchers also found single sex and faith schools were associated with lower chances of pupils becoming Neet. However, they pointed out these schools tend to have pupil populations with higher socioeconomic status and academic ability.
Young people in England have been required to stay in education or training until the age of 18 since 2015.
Despite this, the Resolution Foundation has said their Neet rates have not changed much, “fluctuating between 4% and 5% in both 2013 and 2025”.
The Government has announced an additional £1 billion in spending to tackle high Neet rates.
A new Youth Jobs Grant means businesses can receive £3,000 for every young person they hire between the ages of 18 and 24 who has been searching for a job for six months or more.