FIGURES released by the Government have revealed the borough has one of the lowest number of young people not in education, employment or training in the region.

Statistics issued annually by the Department for Education show 96.7 per cent of 16 - 18 year olds in Bracknell Forest are in education, training or employment, compared to the South East average of 96.1 per cent and the annual average of 95.7 per cent.

The numbers also show the council's continued work to encourage 16 to 18 year olds in to further education, employment or training has paid off again, with a 0.6 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.

Bracknell Forest Council also has one of the lowest percentages of young people whose participation in education, employment or training is unknown to the authority as the council has data for 97.4 per cent of all 16 to 18 year olds in the borough, significantly higher than the regional average, which is 90 per cent.

Having this data helps the council to tailor its NEET services appropriately and provide guidance, advice and training schemes to match young people's requirements.

Cllr Gareth Barnard, executive member for children, young people and learning, said: "Not only has the number of young people in education, employment or training in Bracknell Forest risen again this year, the number of young people we do not hold data for has reduced.

"This allows us to gain a greater understanding of what young people are doing now and how we can help them get the training, work experience or education they need to fulfil their carer aspirations for the future.

"We are pleased with the continued progress we are making in ensuring all 16 – 18 year olds in the borough are in education, employment or training but our work is not done. We will continue to support our young people, particularly those classed as NEETs, to ensure all are given the best possible start to their working lives."