REDDITCH is the worst in the county for the number of teenagers who are not in education or training.
Figures released by the Department for Education show 14.8 per cent of 16 to 17-year-olds in the town did not follow on from school – more than two per cent higher than Worcester which was the second worst performer.
Redditch also fell below the county average for those who carried on, which sat at 88.1 per cent as of December last year.
But 1,674 youngsters were in education or training in December 2014 in the town compared to just 1,183 in December 2013.
And the Worcestershire average has also risen by almost 20 per cent since December 2013, when only 68.9 per cent of teenagers were registered.
Significant improvements have also been made regarding the number of young people whose academic status is ‘known’ to Worcestershire County Council, with 93 per cent now available. This is compared to 73.5 per cent in 2013.
John Edwards, county council strategic commissioner for education services said: “It is great to see this significant improvement in the number of young people taking part in education or training in Redditch.
“Improving outcomes for young people is one of our highest priorities so it is great to see that the range of opportunities available, as well as the support received from families and professionals, is encouraging more young people to further their education or training
“The county council is continuing to invest in this area. Together with a better working relationship with schools and colleges we expect to be able to track these young people more effectively and continue to improve these figures.”
