The September Guarantee

Key points

The September Guarantee ensures that, by the end of September, all 16 and 17-year-olds are offered a suitable place in learning so that they can receive the skills and experience they need to succeed.
This offer must meet the young person's needs in terms of location, subject area, learning style and learning level.
Schools, working with Connexions services, have a key role to play in ensuring that all young people have information, advice and guidance about the post-16 choices available to them, are supported through the application process, and that their progress is monitored.
As students are about to leave Years 11 and 12, it is particularly important to make sure that young people know who to contact over the summer should they want further advice on post-16 options.
In 2007/08 more than 94 per cent of 16-year-olds said they wanted to stay on in learning and received an offer. The economic downturn is likely to mean that there will be fewer employment opportunities available this year, and it makes it more important than ever that every young person who wants one receives a suitable offer.
It was announced in Budget 2009 that an additional 54,500 learning places were being made available to ensure that the guarantee is fully delivered.

The Department's guidance for those involved in delivering the Guarantee, which includes more detailed information about the role of schools, can be found here.

Last updated: 02 October 2009