Sara Forsyth, Director of Education at SENAD Group:
The latest DfE research report on NEET risk factors is a stark reminder of the challenges facing our most vulnerable young people. The data shows that having an Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP) is the single strongest predictor of becoming NEET, with a staggering 63% of young people with an EHCP being NEET at some point between ages 20 and 24.
At The SENAD Group, we are proving that this trajectory is not inevitable.
When a child is provided with the right placement including specialist, multidisciplinary support, we can significantly reduce these risks.
The Evidence: Defying the Statistics
The DfE report identifies three main factors that drive NEET risk: (1) low GCSE attainment, (2) persistent absence, and (3) having an EHCP.
Here is how our 2024-2025 outcomes are directly countering these trends:
- Exceeding Academic Expectations: While the DfE links low attainment to a higher risk of long-term inactivity, our students are achieving “remarkable” growth. At one of our incredible schools, 67% of students secured a Grade 4 or above in Mathematics – a nearly 30% increase in just one year.
- Doubling Access to Higher Education: The government report notes that a lack of Level 3 qualifications is a key driver for being NEET. We have doubled the rate of our students accessing Level 3 courses or Higher Education to 60% since 2018.
- Proactive Re-engagement and Attendance Stability: The DfE identifies persistent absence (missing 10% or more of school) as one of the three strongest predictors of a young person becoming NEET. Our schools directly counter this risk by addressing the root causes of previous non-attendance – such as school-related anxiety and inappropriate placement – through a multidisciplinary model that integrates clinical mental health practice with “academic-focused” learning. By ensuring appropriate provision and using a “gradual and planned transition” model, we achieve high levels of increased attendance effectively re-engaging students who have previously struggled to maintain attendance in less specialised settings.
- Strategic Vocational Pathways: The DfE highlights that a lack of engagement and social participation increases NEET risk. Our vocational certifications in Digital Industries, Horticulture, and Catering are meticulously mapped to the labour market to ensure our students leave with real-world currency.
- Ending the “Revolving Door” of Placements: The report shows that moving schools during KS4 is a high-risk factor. Our model prioritises placement stability, with a sustained reduction in mid-year leavers, ensuring students remain in education long enough to complete their qualification cycles.
The Bottom Line
NEET risk increases linearly with the number of risk factors a child faces. To prevent long-term dependency on services, we must move beyond “care-focused” models toward “academic-focused” learning supported by clinical therapy.
The DfE’s findings confirm that young people with SEN are more sensitive to risk factors. This is exactly why specialist provision isn’t just a choice – it’s a critical intervention that secures sustainable adult lives and a clear return on investment for Local Authorities, families and society as a whole.