School inclusivity was linked to lower NEET rates

What the study found: Schools with lower suspension rates, higher student progress, and onsite post-16 provision had lower rates of students becoming not in education, employment or training (NEET). Single-sex and faith schools also showed reduced NEET rates.
Why the authors say this matters: The authors suggest that school culture and inclusivity play an important role in shaping student trajectories. They also conclude that policies promoting inclusive school environments, supportive disciplinary practices, and clear post-16 pathways may help increase sustained engagement in education and training.
What the researchers tested: The researchers used 3 years of administrative data for secondary schools in England. They tested whether proxy measures of school inclusivity were associated with sustained post-16 engagement while controlling for known student-level and local-area risks.
What worked and what didn't: The results indicate lower NEET rates in schools with lower suspension rates, higher Progress 8 scores (a measure of student progress), and onsite post-16 provision. Single-sex and faith schools also exhibited reduced NEET rates. The abstract does not report any school characteristics that were associated with higher NEET rates.
What to keep in mind: The study uses proxy measures of inclusivity, so the abstract does not show direct measures of school culture. The findings come from secondary schools in England and from the variables described in the abstract; other limitations are not stated in the available summary.

Key points

• Lower suspension rates were associated with lower rates of students becoming NEET.
• Higher Progress 8 scores were associated with lower NEET rates.
• Onsite post-16 provision was linked to lower NEET rates.
• Single-sex and faith schools also showed reduced NEET rates.
• The study used 3 years of administrative data from secondary schools in England.