It is estimated that between one fifth and one third of all young people aged 14-16 are disengaged from education. This has well documented implications for the young person and the wider society, including poor labour market opportunities and the risk of being not in education, employment or training (NEET). Other associated negative outcomes are teenage pregnancy and drug use. Engagement is crucial because of recent legislation raising the participation age for education, first to 17 by the year 2013, and then 18 by 2015.
Using data from the Longitudinal Study of Young People in England (LSYPE), the researcher carried out a quantitative analysis of disengagement from education among 14-16 year olds. They identified four different kinds of engagement and explored when as well as why some young people disengaged.
The study will be of interest to teachers, leaders, parents and policy makers wishing to explore the issue of disengagement amongst 14-16 year olds. In particular it will help them consider the factors contributing to disengagement and the strategies which might help to encourage continued engagement in school.
