UTC Reading cuts local NEET numbers by 15% in a single day with pioneering Sixth Form programme.
The school has welcomed a special new class of students this term as part of a pioneering programme designed to help young people back into education — reducing the number of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) in Reading considerably.
The new Step Into Sixth Form provision supports students who, after sitting their GCSEs in the summer, found themselves without the grades or a place at a sixth form or college. Many had been out of education since the end of Year 11. The programme now offers them a clear, supported route back into learning and towards future A level study.
Students on the course are resitting core GCSE subjects including English, Maths and Sciences, alongside a bespoke “wrap-around” package that captures the best of a UTC education. This includes careers education, personal and professional development, and extensive employer engagement to help students build confidence, skills and clarity about their future pathways.
With almost one million 18–24-year-olds NEET across the UK, the programme represents a timely and innovative local response to a growing national challenge, echoing calls from Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson to make tackling NEET figures a national priority.
Headteacher Jennie Thomson said:
“Our Step Into Sixth Form provision opens the door for young people who may not yet have reached the goalposts for traditional sixth form study by the end of Year 11. Young people develop at different speeds and have different needs. This programme allows them to access our specialist STEM education at the right time and at the right level for them. It fills a critical gap in local post-16 provision, and we are delighted to be supporting these students to take clear, structured and supported steps towards positive and secure future destinations.”
The initiative has been developed in close partnership with Reading Borough Council, with students referred through Elevate, part of the Directorate of Children’s Services. Romana Taylor, Team Leader of Elevate, praised the collaboration:
“These young people, through no fault of their own, found themselves locked out of education but were determined to return and pursue their aspirations. Jennie and her team have shown extraordinary commitment and compassion, working tirelessly to welcome this group into the UTC community. Their efforts have given these young people a vital second chance to achieve their GCSEs, opening doors to further education and future employment. This work is transforming individual lives while making a meaningful impact on NEET figures across Reading.”
Rachel Cave, Chief Education Officer at Activate Learning Education Trust, which UTC Reading is part of, added:
“Transforming Lives Through Learning is at the heart of ALET’s mission, and this programme is a powerful example of that in action. We are incredibly proud of the work being led at UTC Reading and of the opportunities this will create for these young people.”
