Increasing attainment at levels one and two
A major aim of the 14 to 19 reform programme is to ensure that every young person, by the age of 19, has had the education or training that prepares him or her to succeed in life.
More young people than ever before are achieving level two and level three qualifications, but more than 25 per cent of young people still do not achieve qualifications at level two by the time they are 19.
Level two (which is equivalent to five GCSEs A*-C) is the threshold for employability and acts as a stepping stone to achievement at higher levels. However, the number of unskilled jobs is declining sharply and more young people must achieve level three qualifications to ensure financial security in the future.
Participation in education or training over the age of 16 in England is low by comparison with other countries (according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development figures). The government has started to address this by raising the participation age at which young people can leave education or training to 17 in 2013 and 18 in 2015.
Young people are also guaranteed a place in learning and training after leaving compulsory education through the September Guarantee, whilst the development of the Foundation Learning Tier (FLT) will contribute to improving the skills of learners working below level two with a personalised learning programme with clear progression pathways.
This page was last updated on 3 October 2009
