Teenagers who took part in a pioneering project led by educational experts to tackle the South West's "NEET" crisis are celebrating GCSE success.
Researchers at the University of Exeter partnered with Exeter College to help children not currently in school to sit the GCSE exams in maths and English they need to get back into education, employment or training.
Devon and Cornwall have some of the highest rates of young people out of school in England. Some have withdrawn from education due to challenges associated with their special educational needs and disabilities.
Without a school place it is difficult and expensive for these young people to sit GCSE exams. Having no formal qualifications can prevent or delay them starting the course they would most like to at college and can be a barrier to them moving on to an apprenticeship or employment.
The project is led by Dr Luke Graham and Professor Anna Zimdars from the University of Exeter. The work is funded through philanthropic donations to the University of Exeter and by Devon County Council.
This year 25 young people on the project's pilot have been supported by Dr Graham and Professor Zimdars to sit English and maths GCSEs, with Exeter College giving exam preparation support and acting as the exam centre.
The aim of the initiative was to provide the young people with the opportunity to take exams, which they have studied for themselves at home.
All learners achieved a grade in their maths GCSE, with almost half of them gaining at least a grade 4. Similarly in English GCSE all learners gained a graded qualification, with an incredible 62 per cent getting a 4 or above and almost one in five getting the highest GCSE grades of 6 to 9.
Young people taking part in the project had the opportunity to sit mock exams with feedback from Exeter College teachers. On average their grades rose from the mock to the GCSE exam by a grade for maths and over two grades for English.
All of those involved now have a progression route for the next academic year - mostly at Exeter College with some starting training.
Dr Graham said: "I would like to congratulate all those involved. We are very proud of their achievements. They have worked hard to achieve academically and also to get their confidence back.
"They were out of school for many reasons, mostly this was because they were unable to progress within the education system available to them. What we have done is remove some obstacles which would have prevented them moving on to work, training or education.
"We have given them a chance to take exams, get on in life and fulfil their ambitions. The project shows how organisations in the South West are working hard to unlock the barriers which stop young people achieving in life. We are very grateful to those partnering with us in this life-changing work."
Professor Zimdars said: "We are delighted this work is helping to change lives and reduce the number of young people who are "NEET" in the region and give them an opportunity to thrive."
Parent Michaela Willis, whose daughter Keeva took part in the pilot, said: "I am so grateful to the pilot project run at the University, giving us the opportunity to participate in the GCSE pilot. The care and support had been outstanding from mocks through to the exams, showing a clear pathway to home-educated teens.
"This experience has been invaluable to us and I don't think my daughter would have got the grades she has without this in place.
"We wholeheartedly support this pilot and truly hope that it continues and is expanded for others going forward. Home educated does not mean not educated, and these teens deserve access and support with exams."
Jade Otty, Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group Deputy CEO, said: "Thousands of young people will be preparing to join Exeter College after picking up their GCSE results. Thanks to this project, this will include some learners who were previously not in formal education getting straight into the college course they really wanted to join with their peers. This project shows the importance of tackling the NEET crisis and ensuring these brilliant young people aren't forgotten or written off academically"
Councillor Julian Brazil, Leader of Devon County Council, said: "Too many young people face barriers to gaining the qualifications they need to move on into further education, training or employment. This project is helping to remove some of those barriers and give young people the opportunity to achieve their potential.
"These results are a testament to the hard work and determination of the young people involved, as well as the dedication of everyone supporting them. Most importantly, they mean more young people can now progress into education, training or employment and take the next step towards a positive future."
The project will run again next year, with around 300 young people on a waiting list.
