According to a recent independent inquiry, nearly two-thirds of white working-class young people leave school without the qualifications, and often initial skills, they need to thrive in their adult lives. By the age of five, less than half are judged to be at a good level of development, while school absence remains significantly higher than the national average. Combined with more than one million young people currently classed as not in education, employment or training (NEET), these figures paint a hugely distressing picture for our next generation. Become a member for unlimited access to Schools Week subscribe 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.