AoC responds to EPI's report, What You Learn and What You Earn

Reflecting on the Education Policy Institute's report, What You Learn and What You Earn, Eddie Playfair, Senior Policy Manager, Association of Colleges, said: "This timely report shines a spotlight on the persistent link between disadvantage and educational achievement. Achievement gaps are entrenched by the age of 16, and colleges work hard to narrow these by supporting hundreds of thousands of students with lower GCSE scores at the age of 16 to progress via Level 1, 2 and 3 programmes which match their needs and aspirations.

"It comes as no surprise that both educational and labour market outcomes reflect socio-economic inequality and that disadvantaged students consistently earn less than their peers even with the same qualifications. This report reminds us that achievement and disadvantage are linked, both at the age of 16 and beyond."