The figures show that the proportion of young people aged over 16 in education or training rose from 77.1 per cent at the end of 2006 to 78.7 per cent at the end of 2007 – a rise of 1.5 per cent.

There were also 20,000 fewer young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) – a 9.4 per cent drop, which is the highest since 1999.

The government plans to further increase the participation age to 17 from 2013 and to 18 from 2015. An expansion of the apprenticeship programme and the introduction of new diplomas, which roll out from this September and contain a mixture of academic and applied learning, will mean that every young person has something to do.

Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, said: "It is really encouraging news that the number of young people who are not in employment, education or training has fallen again and that participation rates are at a record level.

“By 2015 all young people will stay in education or training until they are at least 18 and these latest figures show we are making good progress to ensuring that all young people have the opportunity to fulfil their potential and contribute to our economy in this new and fast-changing world.

"I want to see every young person able to do the best they can and that means more opportunities for training, more apprenticeships, relevant qualifications and high quality advice and guidance.

“The introduction of diplomas from this autumn is another milestone and the changes will lead to an even better range of options for young people, regardless of their interests or abilities. Over the next few years we will change the face of 14-19 education in this country - and the young people who are least likely currently to participate in education or training are the ones who will benefit the most."

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