Student pathways post-18: does everyone go to university?

An analysis of students' next steps after age 18 reveals that fewer disadvantaged students enter higher education, apprenticeships continue to be favoured by more males than females, and white students are most likely to enter employment

This article looks at the Department for Education's Destinations of key stage four and key stage five students data for England in 2016/17 - in particular the post KS5 data, which captures the activities of students a year after completing their 16 to 18 studies.

Students in London favour higher education the most

An additional education qualification is often advantageous, helping to unlock opportunities in the jobs market, and this is the most popular route to pursue after KS5 - with 61% of students in sustained education in 2016/17.1 This figure has remained fairly consistent since 2010/11, with a slight peak of 63% in 2011/12 as a consequence of the tuition fee change.2

Half of the 2016/17 post-18 student cohort was recorded in higher education, with smaller numbers entering further education (7%) or other education (3%).3 The percentage of those in further education after KS5 has gradually declined from 10% in 2014/15 to 7% in 2016/17.

The popularity of higher education as a post-KS5 destination is also echoed in Milkround's Candidate Compass report, in which 69% of respondents stated they always intended to go to university. The findings from Prospects' Early Careers Survey also revealed a strong preference for university study among school and college students (85.4%).

For both genders, higher education was the most preferred pathway to employment (53% for females and 48% for males).4 A greater percentage of women were in further education (8%), although the difference was marginal (7% for males).

A notable difference was evident in the outcomes of disadvantaged students when compared to other groups. Those classified as being 'disadvantaged' were less likely to enter higher education (46%) than their non-disadvantaged counterparts (51%). A higher percentage of these students were also found in further education (7% compared with 10% for all other students).

The most prevalent destination by region mirrors the national trend, although those from London were most likely to be found in higher education (59%), whereas those domiciled in the South West (41%) and South East (46%) demonstrated a lesser preference for this level of study.

Apprenticeships are still male dominated

Apprenticeships have suffered from academic elitism over the years, but it is anticipated the UK will see a rise in apprentice starters following a number of developments. This includes the rise of degree apprenticeships and the focus on improving their standards to ensure employees are trained to a high quality, in line with the government's plan to reach three million apprentices by 2020.5

For some, apprenticeships can be a great alternative to university and the motives to pursue this pathway are often associated with finance and experience. Apprentices who responded to the Early Careers Survey stated it as 'another way into the field of work while gaining real life experience' and 'a great alternative to a degree without the debt'. Some weren't sure university was for them and wanted to consider other options, whereas others viewed it as an opportunity to 'explore my chosen career path in more depth'.

Only a small percentage (6%) of KS5 leavers in 2016/17 were engaged in an apprenticeship, and this figure has remained unchanged since 2013/14, although it is a slight increase on the 2010/11 figure of 4%.6 Both level two and three apprenticeships have experienced a one percentage point growth in numbers since 2010/11, although less than 0.5% started a degree apprenticeship.

Promoting apprenticeships to students can be a challenge due to the negative stigma accompanying them, which some employers feel is not being tackled enough in schools.7 Educating people about this route could help increase the figures and enable students to make an informed decision about their pathway into a career.

Apprenticeships are currently more male dominated, with 8% in this type of work for at least six months compared with 5% of females. Men were also more inclined to pursue level three and four apprenticeships than females.

White students were the most likely ethnic group to secure an apprenticeship (8%), whereas Chinese students were the least likely (2%). All other ethnic groups had a lower than average (6%) rate.

Regional variances in the percentages of students in an apprenticeship were also apparent. Those from the North East (10%) and Yorkshire and the Humber (8%) were more inclined to take up an apprenticeship after completing KS5. London had the smallest share (4%) of students entering an apprenticeship.

White students are most likely to enter employment

Those who entered employment straight after completing KS5 in 2015/16 made up the second largest segment of students (22%). Regions with the largest proportion of these students include the South West (29%), South East (27%) and the East of England (25%). London (14%) and the North East (17%) have smaller numbers due to the higher percentage of students opting for alternative activities.

Those who were classified as being 'disadvantaged' were less likely to be in employment (20%) after leaving KS5 than all other students (22%).

Of all the ethnic groups, white students were the most likely to enter employment (25%). Individuals with a mixed ethnic background had the second highest rate (18%). Chinese students were least likely to opt for employment at this stage (5%), as a higher proportion preferred to continue in education (84%).

Notes

1. Destinations of Key Stage 4 and key stage 5 students, England, 2016/17, Department for Education.
2. Ibid.
3. The DfE states that the 'other education' group contains school sixth forms, sixth-form colleges, independent schools, specialist post-16 institutions, special schools and education combination destinations.
4. Destinations of Key Stage 4 and key stage 5 students, England, 2016/17, Department for Education.
5. English Apprenticeships: Our 2020 Vision, HM Government. 
6. Destinations of Key Stage 4 and key stage 5 students, England, 2016/17, Department for Education.
7. Teenage Apprenticeships: Converting Awareness Through Recruitment, Education and Employers Research.

Written by

Laura Greaves

Information analyst

Prospects