Milburn Review: Schools Failing to Prepare Young People for Adulthood and Employment

A comprehensive government review led by former Labour minister Alan Milburn has delivered a stark assessment of England’s education system, concluding that it is failing to equip children with the necessary skills for adult life. The diagnostic report specifically examines the alarming rise in NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) numbers and identifies systemic weaknesses in how schools prepare pupils for their next steps after compulsory education. The review calls for schools to be held to greater account for where their pupils end up, arguing that current accountability frameworks do not sufficiently prioritise successful transitions into employment, training or further study. This represents a significant shift in focus from traditional attainment metrics toward destination data and long-term outcomes for young people. For local authorities and Lead Members responsible for children’s services, the findings underscore the urgent need to strengthen links between education and local labour markets. The report implies that without structural reform to bridge the gap between schooling and adulthood, increasing numbers of young people risk being left behind, placing additional pressure on youth services and adult social care budgets.