In 2015 the government updated their policy on Young People.

In the policy statement ‘Increasing Opportunities for Young People and Helping them to Achieve their Potential’ they stated;

We want to increase the quality of education for young people so that they are well prepared for further education, higher education and work. We want to make sure that there are high quality options for young people to undertake both academic and vocational education, including apprenticeships and traineeships.

More broadly, we want to ensure all young people have the tools and opportunities they need to fulfil their potential, regardless of background or life circumstances. We believe that all young people should have access to local and national opportunities to develop skills for life and work and to create a more responsible, engaged and cohesive society. We also want to encourage young people to have their say on issues which matter to them; and decision-makers at local and national levels to listen to them.

Together, this will help to ensure that:

• More young people go on to study and gain the skills and qualifications that lead to sustainable jobs.
• Fewer young people are not in education, employment or training (NEET).
• More young people are involved in social action and feel they can make positive changes in society and in their own lives.