NEET Rate
DfE Destinations
Percentage of students not in sustained education, employment or training
Understanding NEET Rate
NEET stands for “Not in Education, Employment, or Training.” The NEET rate shows the percentage of students who, after leaving school, are not engaged in any of these activities — an important indicator of how well schools prepare students for life after education.
Why NEET Matters
Young people who become NEET face:
- Reduced long-term employment prospects
- Lower lifetime earnings
- Increased risk of mental health difficulties
- Social isolation
- Potential entry into negative cycles
Schools that minimise NEET rates are successfully transitioning students into positive destinations.
What the Numbers Mean
- Below 3%: Very low NEET — excellent transition support
- 3-5%: Good outcomes, around national average
- 5-10%: Above average NEET, some concerns
- Above 10%: High NEET rate, significant challenges
Factors Affecting NEET Rates
NEET rates are influenced by:
- Quality of careers guidance
- Links with employers and training providers
- Support for vulnerable students
- Local economic conditions
- School’s pastoral care
For Parents
Low NEET rates suggest a school that:
- Provides effective careers guidance
- Supports all students into positive destinations
- Maintains relationships beyond examination results
- Connects with local employers and providers
Consider NEET rate alongside university progression and apprenticeship rates for a complete picture of where school leavers go next.
Technical Details
- Column Name
- neet_rate
- Data Source
- DfE Destinations
Coverage by School Phase
How many schools have data available for this field.
This field does not contribute to the performance score calculation.
Distribution by School Phase
Statistical distribution of values across schools.
Related Fields
Fields that correlate with NEET Rate. Click to explore.