Latest government figures show Merton to be above the national and London average when it comes to its young people being in education and training.
In Merton, 93% of the borough’s 16 and 17-year-olds are in education and training compared with the national average of 92.1% and a London average of 91.1%.
Merton Council cabinet member for education Councillor Martin Whelton said: “These figures are very encouraging as one of our top priorities is to ensure our young people, who choose to stay on at school or college, benefit from a good quality education and those who want to gain vocational experience can benefit from excellent training. The number of our young people in education and training has also been steadily increasing year on year, and we will continue to work with them to ensure that they make the most of the opportunities education and training can offer.
“Our specialist My Futures Team in Monarch Parade, Mitcham, supports 16-19 year olds as they decide what to do after their GCSEs. Young people in Merton can take advantage of our service as the team provides a drop-in advice and guidance service Monday to Friday and offers support with CV writing, job searches, college, university and apprenticeship applications.”
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Notes to editors
The government changed the law in 2012 to say that pupils who finished in year 11 in summer 2013 must stay in education or training until the end of the academic year in which they turn 17. Those currently in year 11 or below must continue in education or training until their 18th birthday.