A PROJECT led by educational experts to tackle the South West’s ‘NEET’ crisis will allow young people not in school to sit GCSE exams.

The initiative is led by researchers who are concerned the barriers to children without a school place taking their English and maths exams are driving up numbers of young people not in education, employment or training.

Devon and Cornwall have some of the highest rates of young people out of school in England.

Some are thought to have withdrawn education due to challenges associated with their special educational needs and disabilities.

Without a school place it is difficult and expensive for these young people to sit GCSE exams.

Not being able to take GCSEs in English and maths can prevent young people from gaining a college or sixth form place or an apprenticeship or employment.

The University of Exeter, in partnership with Exeter College, Cornwall Council, Devon County Council and the exam board AQA, is applying for independent exam centre status, so some young people not in school can sit GCSEs there without having to pay.

The project is led by Dr Luke Graham and Professor Anna Mountford-Zimdars from the University of Exeter and is funded through philanthropic donations to the University of Exeter and by Devon County Council.

This is a pilot year for the new exam centre. Young people will sit mock exams, before sitting their GCSEs this summer in English and maths. It is hoped many will then go on to further education.

This year around 30 young people are participating and some already have offers to go on to study at Exeter College.

In the future it is hoped those using the exam centre will be given academic coaching by University of Exeter trainee teachers, and as many as 200 people could take their GCSEs there each year.

Councillor Julian Brazil, Leader of Devon County Council said: ‘Parents have a clear right to choose to educate their child at home for a number of reasons, and we respect that choice.

‘But we also know that some young people who are not in school face real barriers to sitting GCSEs, particularly in English and maths.

‘Without those qualifications, their options can often be limited and it increases the risk of them not being in work, education, employment or training.

‘This pilot is about removing those barriers and making sure young people educated otherwise than at school can keep their options open and move on positively with their lives.

‘We are committed to improving outcomes for all of Devon’s children and young people, including those educated at home’.

To apply to be part of the exam centre for 2027 and beyond, contact [email protected]