Post-16 transition: Factors Affecting NEET Status for Young People in Tower Hamlets

To reduce the number of young people Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) is a national priority and impacts upon the social, emotional and economic wellbeing of society.

This paper explores the risk and protective factors that impact upon educational status for young people in Tower Hamlets.

Telephone interviews were carried out with 26 young people in the year following their post-16 transition. All respondents had been classified as NEET when they left school but approximately one year later, 13 were re-engaged with Education, Employment or Training and 13 remained NEET.

The format of the interviews was semi-structured, gathering background data as well as asking questions to explore young people's views and experiences of post-16 transition. In addition, a quantitative measure of individual resilience was administered.

Analysis consisted of a mixed methodology. In addition to a quantitative analysis of data, transcripts were analysed using a qualitative thematic analysis approach.

There were no significant differences found between the two groups on measures of resilience scores, parental views of education, qualifications, attendance, aspirations or relationships with significant others.

The results did identify a range of risk and protective factors that contribute to successful post-16 transition.

Risk factors were more frequently cited by the NEET group, with particular emphasis on systemic educational factors and individual intrinsic factors.

The results are discussed in relation to theory and research into resilience and implications for government policy, structures and educational psychology practice are outlined.