Alan Milburn’s final report on young people and work is due within weeks. His interim diagnosis in May was stark: more than a million young people not in education, employment or training (NEET), at an annual cost of £125 billion – more than England spends on education. He called it a whole-system failure, and he was right. Schools are part of that system. Become a member for unlimited access to Schools Week Our members enjoy early access to exclusive content and in-depth articles before anyone else. Get expert journalism, experience fewer ads, and unlock a growing range of member benefits. subscribe If you have an account, please login. Sign in