Over the last few years, the numbers of young people progressing to learning (school or further education) after the age of 16 has continued to increase. Average levels of attainment over this period have also increased.
Over 125 courses are offered at KS4 across the schools including BTEC Certificates, Diplomas, Vocational GCSEs and GCSEs with some students being able to enter GCE AS Levels pre 16.
Since January 2001 the local authority has managed six European Social Fund (ESF) projects which have provided alternative, work-related learning provision for targeted students. In all over 1800 learners have benefited from these programmes.
Over 150 courses offered at KS5 across the schools including AS and A2 Levels, Applied AS and A2 Levels, BTEC National Awards, Certificates and Diplomas, Key Skills, and NVQs.
Year 10 students and Year 11 students took part in work experience in the 2006/07 school year in 15 occupational areas of at least one week.
The Connexions Service provides universal access to good quality Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance for young people aged 13-19.
The Dynamite Project, began in March 2007 and was a pilot project designed to work out how individual budgets could be provided to young disabled people going through transition and preparing for adult life.
An individual budget allows for young people and their families to self-direct their own future. We recognise that when children have additional support needs that they have an entitlement to resources. Given this entitlement we expect and that we will work to support children and young people and their families to use these resources to support children to achieve the 5 outcomes, and to be active citizens in our communities.
Newcastle is the first Children's services in the country to support young people and their families in this way, with five 16 and 17 year olds with live and active budgets. The learning from our pilot can be considered by Children's and Adult services as we move forward to give individual budgets to more people.
We have run a number of awareness raising sessions and training events for Newcastle families, social workers and other professionals. We have met with care and support providers to encourage them to understand and embrace the agenda.
For more information on the Dynamite Project and self directed support please get in touch with Paul Connolly on 256 3510 or by email paul.connolly@newcastle.gov.uk
Enterprise development activities are improving because of the Education Business Partnership and progress made on the implementation of the Enterprise Strategy (pdf, 291.9kb)
Social Enterprises have been developed at Ravenswood Youth Centre, Walker Technology College, Sacred Heart Primary and Secondary Schools, Trinity College and Oakfield Solutions.
What about young people who are 'Not in Education, Employment or Training' (NEET) in Newcastle?
We are reducing the proportion of 16 to 18 year-olds not in education, employment or training (NEET) is a priority for the Government. Being NEET between the ages of 16 -18 is a major predictor of later unemployment, low income, teenage motherhood, depression and poor physical health. The proportion of NEETs has been reduced.
The "No Response" rate has also reduced since 2004 demonstrating that the Connexions Service has kept in contact with more young people at the same time as supporting their progression.
Routes 14 - 19 (external link)
Education Business Partnership (external link)
Connexions (external link)
Newcastle College (external link)
Family Learning (external link)
14-19 diploma information booklet (535.2kb, pdf) uniquely combines essential skills and knowledge, hands-on experience and employer based learning, to prepare a young person for work or further study
NEET preventative strategy for young people in education (Pdf, 26.6kb)
NEET preventative strategy education timeline (Pdf, 11.3kb)
Enterprise and learning strategy
Ray Steele
Principal Advisor (Secondary)
0191 2328520
Sara Morgan Evans
Local Connexions Manager
0191 277 5336