Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will take steps with Cabinet colleagues to increase transition support between school, college and further education for young adults up to 25-years-old.

The government recognises the importance of ensuring that young people are well supported as they transition between school, further education, training and employment. All schools and colleges are required to provide independent careers guidance and support informed choices about post-16 and post-18 pathways to help young people make decisions about their next steps in education, training and work. For young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), support through the SEND system can continue up to age 25 where appropriate, helping them prepare for further learning, employment and adulthood.

The government is already taking further action on transition through its Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper, which sets out reforms to improve the join up of skills and employment support, strengthen pathways into further education, training and work, and reduce the numbers of young people who are not in education, employment or training. As part of our commitments, we are enhancing the role of schools in supporting successful transitions so that every pupil leaves school with a planned destination. Furthermore, we will consider Alan Milburn’s full recommendations in the autumn as we shape the next phase of reform. The department will continue to work across government and with local partners to support successful transitions for young people and improve their opportunities and outcomes as they move into further learning and employment.