Increase in Rotherham teens moving into further education

The Department of Education’s September Guarantee statistics show that 97 per cent of 16 and 17-year-olds received offers of further education in September 2015.

Rotherham Borough Council said the figure showed a five per cent rise since 2014 and put it down to its work with education providers across the borough.

Cllr Gordon Watson, the council’s deputy leader, said: “These statistics showcase the positive effect the support networks in place for 16 and 17 year olds in education have had over the past year, and I'm delighted.

“It's indicative of our work together with the education providers in Rotherham and I'm thrilled to see how many young people are going into and retaining placements in further education.”

David McWilliams, assistant director, early help and family engagement, said: “First and foremost this is great news for all those young people who are continuing with their education, training and learning. 

“It also reflects positively on the quality of the early help support within our new locality-based teams who have maintained positive relationships with young people, colleges and learning providers.”