The Forgotten Third – Using administrative data for effective policy development

The University of Westminster is hosting a pivotal event to address the pressing challenges faced by the “forgotten third” – the approximately 200,000 young people in England who do not achieve a grade 4 or above in both English and maths GCSEs by age 16.

This research-driven discussion will focus on the lowest-attaining group, between 50,000 and 80,000 young people annually, who are disproportionately from disadvantaged backgrounds and often experience fractured post-16 learning pathways, high drop-out rates and unemployment.

As part of the ADR England Research Community Catalyst: Youth Transitions project, the event will delve into findings from studies of administrative data, such as the National Pupil Database and Longitudinal Education Outcomes dataset. Discussions will centre on:

• What further evidence is needed to fill gaps in our understanding of the experiences and outcomes of these young people?
• Ways to improve outcomes and address unintended consequences of existing policies.

This event is for those engaged in research and policy analysis that consider the experiences and outcomes of disadvantaged young people to inform policy development, across government, research institutes and universities. 

Refreshments and a light lunch will be provided.

Date: Monday, 6 January 2025
Time: 9:30 – 12:30
Location: Fyvie Hall, University of Westminster, 309 Regent Street, London, W1B 2HW
To register, contact: press@westminster.ac.uk

View the slides from the event

Introduction