Every single child in Council care in the Bradford district is either in school, training or is employed, according to new figures.

Education bosses said it was “unprecedented” for none of the young people aged over 16 in local authority care to be classed as NEET (not in education, employment and training), especially as that group of youngsters are often from some of the most disadvantaged backgrounds.

The figure comes as part of a ‘snapshot’ survey which takes place in November each year for Year 12 students.

Of the 60 young people of that age group in care, none are classed as NEET – a great improvement on last year’s figure of 10.1 per cent.

Meanwhile, general NEET figures in the Bradford district currently stand at 3.2 per cent.

The snapshot survey covers different categories for NEET young people, including vulnerable groups.

Bradford Council works in partnership with a range of organisations, including training and careers advice groups like Prospects, Connexions, and local schools and colleges to work with young people and help them find ways forward in education or training that will benefit them in the future.

In Bradford, young people in care are supported The Virtual School and the Council’s Through Care Team also play a key role in working with schools and colleges so that young people keep accessing education after their GCSEs. They provide support to help young apprentices sustain their attendance, and for young mums and care leavers with disabilities to help them find employment opportunities.

Recent figures show that, overall, around 950 children are currently in care in the Bradford district.

Michael Jameson, strategic director of children’s services, said: “We’re aware that this is a snapshot survey but it is a really positive achievement. The zero NEET figure is unprecedented in our district. It indicates that vulnerable young people are finding pathways that will give them better opportunities for training and work. It’s good news which comes on the back of progress being made in other areas of education across our district.”

Councillor Imran Khan, Council portfolio holder for education, employment and skills, said: “This is excellent news. Great credit needs to go to the young people who have taken the positive step to go into education and training. A lot of partnership work goes in to supporting the vulnerable young people in our district who often face more difficult challenges. This joined up approach to raising attainment reflects the ambition of our Education Covenant.”