The problem:

Some people criticise the suggestion that students should choose a pathway at 14, claiming they may be forced into decisions they later regret. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

The solution:

Support students at 16 in choosing to specialise within their pathway, change to another pathway or enter employment with training. A high-quality and broad education from the age of 14 would put them in a better position to make this choice, with an understanding of their skills and needs and a more realistic picture of what to expect from post-16 education.

Edge in action- view this success story

*All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1,098 14 to 19 year olds in England. Fieldwork was undertaken between 8th to 13th Jan 2008. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted to be representative of 14 to 19 year olds in England.