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Why we exist
In the UK today, the income of the family you are born into is still the strongest indicator of where you will end up. Young people from low-income backgrounds are likely to do well at school, less likely to progress to higher education and less likely to enter secure and fulfilling employment.
These inequalities are laid bare when a young person turns 16. The decisions they make at this critical juncture have consequences that last a lifetime. Too many are deprived of the guidance and networks they need to make informed decisions about their future.
THE
NEED
​
2 in 5
young people say they
do not have access to a careers advisor in school
Disadvantaged young people in England are
MORE LIKELY TO BE
disappointed
by their post-16 choices
THEY ARE LESS LIKELY TO
complete their post-16
course
THEY ARE LESS LIKELY TO
sustain their further education, apprenticeship, or employment
2 in 3
disadvantaged young people won't achieve a Level 3 qualification (A Level equivalent) by age 19
HALF
of disadvantaged young people won't achieve a Level 2 qualification (GCSE equivalent) by age 17
2 in 3
are not in education, employment, or training at some point aged 16-24, compared to 1 in 8 non-disadvantaged young people
4 in 5
earn below the 'just managing threshold' (£21,000 per year) at age 26
The students at this school have high aspirations, But unfortunately they don't have the same opportunities that other students in other schools have.
Omar Deria, Headteacher, The Cumberland School
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