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Health Inequalities

Drivers of inequalities

In this section we draw attention to some of the main drivers of inequality in youth health. There is a range of economic and social factors that combine to influence young people’s health outcomes, which are known as the social determinants of health.

One in five secondary school aged children are eligible for free school meals

Young people not in education, employment or training (NEET)

Overall, in 2021, approximately 10% of 16-24 year olds in England were not in education, employment or training (NEET).

At age 16-17, the overall NEET rate is around 6%. Chart D6 shows that young people of this age living in the most deprived areas are slightly more likely to be NEET than their peers living in the least deprived areas. It seems that this trend has levelled out over time, despite the requirement to be in education, employment or training up to age 18 in England.

Chart D6: Deprived young people aged 16-17 are slightly more likely to be NEET, although this trend has levelled out over time

Care leavers are much more likely to be NEET than their peers. Data for NEET rates in the general population for 18-20 year olds suggest a rate of around 9.2% for the period October – December in 2021 (ONS, 2022). Data on care leavers are collated in a slightly different way (and for different age break downs), by the Department for Education. However a rough comparison is possible: in 2021, 41% of care leavers aged 19-21 in England were NEET (Department for Education, 2022).

Chart D7 shows that there is a slight trend for care leavers living in more deprived areas to be more likely to be NEET than care leavers in the least deprived areas. You can read more about how we analysed these data here.

Chart D7: There is a slight trend for care leavers living in more deprived areas to be more likely to be NEET

All data correct as of 1st May 2022

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