75.4 per cent of 16 to 18-year-olds were in education and training at the end of 1999, up from 74.7 per cent the previous year and from 67.2 per cent 10 years earlier.

Numbers up

The proportion of 16 to 18-year-olds in full-time education increased from 37.6 to 55.1 per cent between 1989 and 1999.

Just the job

Among 16 to 18-year-olds, 59 per cent were estimatedto be in jobs at the end of 1999. They included nearly half the 16-year-olds who were working part-time while in full-time education.

Drop-out rate

Many of those who remain in education or training at age 16, leave before they are 18. In 1999, 86.4 per cent of 16-year-olds were enrolled in education, 79.9 per cent of 17-year-olds and 60.2 per cent of 18-year-olds.

Source: DFEE