As thousands of young people prepare to begin a new academic year, the debate around education and employability is shifting. The recent announcement that Year 10 pupils will be able to study subjects including manufacturing and artificial intelligence alongside core academic learning reflects growing recognition that young people need a broader range of pathways into future employment.

It is a welcome development. But if we are serious about improving life chances, we need to think beyond what happens in the classroom.

The challenge is particularly acute for young people at risk of becoming disconnected from education or employment. Alongside growing numbers of electively home-educated learners, many need more flexible support than mainstream systems can provide. Early intervention is critical to preventing disengagement from turning into long-term exclusion from education and the labour market.