THE proportion of Bradford teenagers in education or training is at its highest point for a decade.

Newly released figures reveal the proportion of 16 to 18-year-olds not in education, employment or training (NEET) in the Bradford District has reached the lowest level since 2013.

Released by the Department for Education, the figures cover a period in the academic year 2023/24, and show Bradford performed better than the national average.

Across the Bradford district, 4.4 per cent of 16 to 18 years olds were not in education, employment or training (NEET), or their situation was not known.

This is better than the national average rate of 5.4 per cent.

The figures also show that Bradford is performing better than the national average in relation to groups that are vulnerable to becoming NEET.

These groups include looked-after children, care leavers, young people with an Education and Health Care Plan and those with Special Educational Needs.

In September 2013 changes to law were introduced that meant young people over the age of 16 would be required to continue in education, employment or training until the age of 18.

In Bradford, the Council’s Employment and Skills service works with local employers, educators and other organisations to support people into employment and training.

The new improved figures come after SkillsHouse, a training and recruitment scheme set up by the Council, increased the level of outreach work with young people.

Councillor Imran Khan, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for economy, employment and skills, said: “It is great to see more of our 16, 17, and 18-year-olds are learning or earning. These latest figures showing how many young people are not in education, employment or training are at their lowest level in a decade.

“The Council, along with our partners, works hard to support young people across the district to progress into and remain in employment. I am delighted to see this collaborative working is having a positive impact and improving the prospects of many young people across the Bradford district. We want all young people across the district to reach their full potential.

“Minimising the number of young people not in education, employment or training is a key focus for us through our SkillsHouse partnership, which also includes the Jobcentre, the Chamber of Commerce, employers, the voluntary and community sector, schools, colleges and the university.”