Participation in Full-Time Education and Vocational Training by 16 and 17 year olds in Northern Ireland 2008/09: Statistics

This statistical press release provides details of participation by 16 and 17 year olds in full-time education and vocational training in Northern Ireland (NI). In particular, the press release considers pupils in schools, full-time students in further education colleges and trainees on Jobskills/Training for success programmes.

The full press release and accompanying tables can be accessed on the Department of Education Website.

Key points:

• The participation rate of 16 and 17 year olds in full-time education and vocational training in 2008/09 was 86.8% (82.6% for males and 91.1% for females) (Table 3).
• The participation rate for 16 year olds (91.0%) was higher than for 17 year olds (82.4%). The rate for female 16 year olds was 94.7% and for female 17 year olds was 87.4%. The rate for male 16 year olds was 87.5% and for male 17 year olds was 77.6% (Tables 1 and 2).
• Participation rates in Northern Ireland were higher than in England. This was the case for both 16 and 17 year olds, and applied to both males and females when participation by the two cohorts was combined (Table 5).
• In 2008/09, 62.5% of 16 and 17 year olds in full-time education and/or vocational training attended schools, whereas 22.3% were attending further education colleges, mainstream courses and 15.3% attended Jobskills/Training for success training programmes; the figures for 16 year olds were 64.4%, 20.6% and 15.0% respectively; and, the figures for 17 year olds were 60.3%, 24.1% and 15.6% respectively(Table1, 2, and 3).

Notes to Editors:

1. Requests for further information should be addressed to:

Telephone: 028 9127 9707

Fax: 028 9127 9594

email: statistics@deni.gov.uk

2. For media queries please contact the Department of Education Press Office on 028 9127 9701. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.