Latest data from the Department for Education shows that 95% of young people in Barnet are in full-time education compared with 87% in London and 81% in England. 1% of this figure is made up of young people involved in apprenticeships or employment with training. This is a 3.4% improvement on participation rates in 2011 and is the second highest rate in London.

Just 3.5% of 16 to 17 year olds in Barnet are currently not in education, employment and training (NEET), the second lowest rate in London.

The proportion of boys and girls in education employment or training are roughly similar, again bucking the London trend where the participation rate for girls is higher than boys. Participation rates for ethnic minority groups are significantly higher in Barnet than elsewhere.

Around 3,500 pupils leave Year 11 each year at the age of 16 in Barnet. The majority of young people stay on at school (62%) usually to take A levels, whilst others opt for career or vocational qualifications at a college or a training provider. Increasing numbers however, are choosing to try for an apprenticeship, which offers them a chance to learn and earn in a job.

Barnet Council is offering special support to young people who are NEET through the government's Youth Contract Scheme and Barnet's own Platform programmes.

The £1 million Platform programme was launched in June to support young people aged 16-24 into work or training. As well helping young people find apprenticeships through the Apprenticeship Training Agency, the programme is looking into the feasibility of setting up a Barnet Studio School blending academic and vocational qualifications for 14 to 19 year olds, and a scheme to support young people with learning difficulties into paid employment.

Councillor Andrew Harper, Cabinet Member for Education, Children and Families, said: 'I'm delighted that the number of our young people in education, employment and training in Barnet is very high compared with other London boroughs. However we're certainly not resting on our laurels - we still need to do all we can to give those that need it a leg up in life.

'Our Platforms programme proves our commitment to young people goes beyond the age of 16 and underlines the important role they have to play in the future prosperity and wellbeing of our borough.'