Young people facing poor exam results fear ‘life without hope’

By: David Grailey

Chief Executive

Tuesday 13 August 2013

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Over a third of 16-25 year olds with poor exam results surveyed for The Prince's Trust charity believed they would "end up on benefits". The report suggested that many had experienced problems at school or home so their exam results did not reflect their true potential.

In response to the report, the government said that it was "taking decisive action to transform vocational education" and a spokeswoman for the Department for Education (DfE) said the government would fund "a place in education or training for every 16 and 17-year-old who wants one".

However, it’s clear that more needs to be done to help bridge the gap from learning to work for those students who are less academically inclined. Young people need to leave education equipped with the core transferable skills that they need to succeed in life; working together, presenting themselves for work, using their initiative, managing their time.

What’s more, young people need better access to broader careers advice from a young age and this must begin at school. They need to receive realistic and practical guidance, including potential costs of training routes and likely outcomes, so they can ensure that they choose the right direction for them. Improving the visibility of vocational training within schools is a key part of this.

There should be no need for young people to feel so lost as a result of poor exam grades. Every young person is an individual with their own skills and talents which should be nurtured.

What do you think? How can we help motivate these young people who have been so badly affected by their negative experience? How can we inspire them with the confidence they need to progress in their post-education lives and careers?

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Authors

Lindsay Plumpton

Communications Leader
96 posts
David Grailey

Chief Executive
79 posts
Andrew Gladstone-Heighton

Policy Leader
75 posts
Esme Winch

Managing Director
35 posts
Michael Lemin

Policy and Research Manager
25 posts

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