The school‐to‐work transition in England and Wales

Aims to consider whether the expansion of post‐compulsory education has led to greater benefits for members of one socio‐economic group than another.

Uses a multinomial logit model of the choice of first destination, using the Youth Cohort Survey data for England and Wales, from 1985 to 1992.

Whilst prior attainment has the strongest influence on selecting academic further education, participation rates into post‐compulsory education have also increased for young people of average ability. Interaction effects clearly show that for even the most able, the socio‐economic status of parents is an important influence on the choice of destination. The greatest benefit from the increased provision of post‐compulsory education after conditioning for ability has been to young people from high socio‐economic groups.

Provides analysis, following investigation, of the main transmission mechanisms that determine choice at age 16.