Destination measures

Education Destination Measures were published for the first time on 17 July 2012. The measures show the percentage of students continuing their education in school, further education or sixth-form college or higher education institution, and the percentage training through an apprenticeship or work-based learning. 

The data were published as a Statistical First Release (experimental statistics), available online.

The headline data at national level (England) show that:

  • 85 per cent of young people were recorded as being in sustained education in the year after they took their Key Stage 4 (KS4) qualification/s. 
  • 64 per cent of young people were recorded as being in sustained education in the year after they took their A Level or equivalent qualification.

The publication also includes local and institutional level data.

To assist with evaluation of the data, people accessing the data were asked to complete a short questionnaire. A report setting out the outcomes of the evaluation and the action we are taking is now available.

The measures

We have introduced two destination measures which show the destinations of young people the year after KS4 or taking A level or equivalent qualifications.

  • The KS4 measure is based on activity at academic age 16 (i.e. the year after the young person left compulsory schooling).
  • The Key Stage 5 (KS5) measure is based on activity in the year after the young person took A level or equivalent qualifications.

The measures are based on participation in education or training in all of the first two terms (defined as October to March) of the year after the young person left KS4 or took A level or equivalent qualifications.

Why we have introduced Destination Measures

We have made it very clear that we want to put more information into the public domain so that parents and students can make informed choices about the performance of schools and colleges in their area. The Destination Measures provide clear and comparable information on the success of schools and colleges in helping all their students take qualifications that offer them the best opportunity to continue in education or training. They will also encourage schools and colleges to support and prepare their students to take up education or training which offers good long term prospects. 

Development of Destination Measures

Destination Measures are being introduced in two phases:

  • 17 July 2012: In the first phase we published Measures that capture all education destinations, including apprenticeships and work based learning. 
  • For phase 2, we are working on including the more complex employment  destinations and, if the data are robust enough, we aim to publish both education and employment destinations in summer 2013. 

Questions, feedback and comments on the Destination Measures can be sent to us via the email address on this page.

Contact details

Destination measures
Email: Destination.measures@education.gsi.gov.uk.