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The Government has published its response to the report by the Select Committee on Social Mobility.

Introduction

The Government is grateful to the Select Committee for its thorough scrutiny of social mobility in the transition from school to work, with a particular focus on the changing youth labour market and routes to work for those who do not do A Levels or go on to higher education.

A key aim of this government’s ‘one nation’ ideal is to tackle the root causes of our unequal society – to support families, to improve education, to give people the help they need to get into work. This is the best way to improve life chances for all.

We are determined to ensure that educational excellence is available to every single child and young person, everywhere in this country. To raise the bar and heighten expectations, and to give schools and colleges the support they need to meet them.

We have made good progress over the last five years.

• Over 1.4 million more pupils attend schools that are rated ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ than in 2010.
• We have made the curriculum and qualifications more rigorous at every stage: 120,000 more 6-year-olds are on track to become confident readers as a result of our focus on phonics.
• We have grown the participation of 16- to- 18-year-olds. 2.9 million apprenticeships (all ages) have been started since May 2010. We have the lowest proportion of 16- to- 18- year-old NEETs since consistent records began.

Government response to the House of  Lords Select Committee on Social Mobility ( PDF 443 KB)

Report: 'Overlooked and Left Behind: improving the transition from school to work for the majority of young people' (PDF)

Report: 'Overlooked and Left Behind: improving the transition from school to work for the majority of young people' (HTML)

Social Mobility Committee

Further information

• About Parliament: Select committees
• Visiting Parliament: Watch committees