What have we learned?

Next Steps plays an important role in identifying what factors can influence children and young people’s chances in life.

Government, teachers, charities and others use what we learn from you to develop services and policies that help improve people’s education, development and wellbeing.

These pages list just a few of the things we’ve learned and how it’s helped make a difference.

By taking part in Next Steps, you’re helping make life better for people your age, as well as younger generations.

 

In this section

What has Next Steps taught us about education?

Next Steps has helped shed light on the factors that influence young people’s performance at school. Find out more about what we've learned.

Got questions about how your data is used?

Visit our FAQs section for more information on privacy and data protection. You can also find out about taking part, keeping in touch and why you're unique.

WHAT FACTORS AFFECT YOUNG PEOPLE’S DECISION TO APPLY TO UNIVERSITY?

Researchers found that 76 per cent of Next Steps study members who had done well in school exams at age 11 had applied for a university place by age 20. However, this dropped to 66 per cent for able children of less advantaged parents, compared to 85 per cent from more affluent homes.