The Education Scrutiny Sub-Committee of Redbridge Council met on Monday 23 March 2026 to discuss the performance of young people in education and the support available to those not in education, employment, or training (NEET). The committee noted the council's strong performance in educational attainment across various key stages, while also reviewing strategies to reduce the number of NEET young people.

Support for Young People Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET)

The committee received an update on the number of young people aged 16 and 17 in Redbridge who were not in education, employment, or training (NEET) or whose destinations were not known. For the 2024/2025 academic year, the combined NEET and Not Known figure for Redbridge was 3.1%, which is lower than the national average of 5.6% and the Greater London average of 3.3%. This figure places Redbridge in the top quintile of local authorities nationally for performance in this area. A provisional figure for 2025-26 also stands at 3.1%.

Officers highlighted that males constitute a significant portion of the NEET cohort, making up 68.2% of those identified as NEET or Not Known in February 2025. Analysis of ethnicity showed that White individuals represented the largest percentage of the NEET cohort (35.4%), disproportionately higher than their representation in the overall Year 12-13 population (21.1%). Asian individuals also showed a disproportionate representation in the NEET cohort.

The report detailed several factors contributing to young people becoming or remaining NEET, including a lack of qualifications, involvement with the youth justice system, care experience, mental health issues, and difficulties accessing education and training opportunities. The recent changes to government traineeship schemes were also noted as reducing flexible entry points.

The Connexions Team in Redbridge employs various strategies to support vulnerable young people, including referral pathways from schools, targeted work with specific groups such as asylum seekers and refugees, and providing Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) to young people with Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans. Personal Advisers manage caseloads of NEET young people, offering support and guidance for progression into education, employment, or training. The team also collaborates with schools and education providers to identify gaps in provision and promote the National Careers Strategy.

Councillor Saiqa Qayum Hussain inquired about the specific barriers preventing further reductions in NEET figures and any new interventions planned. It was explained that while Redbridge performs well, challenges remain in finding flexible entry points for young people, particularly after traineeships were altered. The council is working with providers like the London Learning Consortium to identify more flexible options, especially in multimedia and IT fields. There is also a focus on commissioning new providers, such as Really Neat, for targeted work with young people with EHC plans. An increasing number of young people with mental health issues are also presenting a barrier to participation.

Councillor Anne Marie Sachs echoed the positive performance but expressed disappointment at the existence of NEET figures nationally. She noted the report's mention of children with SEND and mental health issues, expressing confidence that ongoing work in SEND would improve support. She also raised concerns about the disproportionate representation of white working-class boys in NEET figures and questioned whether the focus on grades and league tables in mainstream schools might be overlooking academic issues affecting disengaged learners. Officers responded that mainstream schools primarily offer A-level pathways, while provision for those without higher GCSEs tends to be in further education, often outside the borough. They acknowledged the national challenge of providing flexible offers for young people without GCSEs and noted that work is underway to develop broader curriculum offers in sixth forms, particularly for students with disrupted education.

Councillor Paul F. Donovan asked for more detail on the growing problem of mental health issues. It was explained that since the pandemic, there has been a significant increase in young people experiencing mental health issues that prevent them from participating in education. Redbridge has been working on emotional-based school avoidance (EBSA), with mental health support teams working in schools for early intervention. The difficulty in accessing and participating in provision, even when available, was highlighted as a complex challenge, particularly for young people with SEND and emotional behavioural issues.

Adela Kay asked about the difficulty of colleges having fixed entry points, often missing the opportunity for students who don't enrol by the second week of September. Officers confirmed this is a national issue, with funding and course hour requirements often preventing late enrolment. However, some colleges, like Barking and Dagenham College, offer more flexible January start courses, and King's Trust programs can also be more adaptable. The council is working with local training providers to create more flexible entry points, though this is dependent on sufficient numbers of young people wanting to pursue the same courses.

The committee resolved to note and comment on the collaborative efforts in maintaining low NEET levels and the overall strategy to reduce these figures.

Performance Monitoring: London Borough of Redbridge Educational Performance: Test and Exam Results

The committee reviewed the 2025 test and examination results for Redbridge, which demonstrated strong performance across all key stages, consistently outperforming national and regional averages. Primary attainment remains a particular strength, with the Early Years Foundation Stage achieving a Good Level of Development (GLD) of 72.8%, well above national and London rates. Phonics outcomes have remained stable and strong, with Year 2 attainment surpassing national and London averages for the first time since 2019. Redbridge pupils ranked second nationally in the Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check.

At Key Stage 2, 74.9% of pupils achieved the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths combined, 12 percentage points above the national average. Redbridge is ranked first nationally for writing at the expected standard.

GCSE results showed a slight softening, in line with national patterns, but Redbridge pupils still achieved higher Attainment 8 scores and stronger English and maths outcomes than their peers nationally and regionally. Entry and attainment in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) remained high, placing Redbridge in the top 10-15% of local authorities nationally. Disadvantaged pupils and those with SEN Support continued to outperform national and regional comparators, with narrower attainment gaps than seen nationally.

At Key Stage 5 (post-16), A-level performance showed steady improvement, with the average point score per entry and AAB outcomes increasing. The gap with national averages has slightly narrowed.

Councillor Saiqa Qayum Hussain asked about the gender gap in Key Stage 4, where girls' performance fell more sharply than boys'. Officers stated that this is a single-year observation and cautioned against viewing it as a trend, noting that schools monitor and support all pupils individually.

The committee resolved to note the London Borough of Redbridge Educational Performance: Test and Exam Results.

Education Scrutiny Sub-Committee Work Plan 2025-2026

The committee noted the work plan for the upcoming year.

The meeting concluded with tributes to Councillor Anne Marie Sachs, who was unwell and had withdrawn her candidacy for the upcoming elections. Members expressed their appreciation for her commitment and contributions to the committee.