Responding to the new government-commissioned report by social mobility adviser Alan Milburn on why increasing numbers of 16-24-year-olds are not in education, employment or training, Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

"This report is right in its emphasis on the importance of the early years, tackling disadvantage and the need to better calibrate the current curriculum and assessment system in order to help young people flourish at school and beyond.

“We have welcomed the government’s moves to prioritise the early years through initiatives including free breakfast clubs and family hubs, but there remains a need for more investment in services like children’s social care and CAMHS.

“These can play a vital role in helping families with challenges in their lives which can impact children’s ability to attend school and focus on learning once there.

“Education, and the qualifications on offer, should prepare young people for life after school, harnessing the skills and attitudes they will need to succeed in modern society.

“But for too long these aims have been distorted and restricted by a wide range of pressures including an over-emphasis on statutory testing, unhelpful accountability measures, and an outdated national curriculum.

“We were pleased that the government’s assessment review recognised that the curriculum is overloaded, and that content needs to be reduced - including to make space for positive additions including financial, digital and media literacy, climate change and sustainability, and speaking skills.

“It did not go far enough though in recognising that current assessment system, which favours high-stakes tests and exams throughout all key stages, is a barrier to demonstrating attainment and progress for some students, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds or who have additional needs. In doing so it can harm young people’s life chances.”