NEET figures fall to lowest level since before the pandemic in Cheshire West and Chester

The number of young people in Cheshire West and Chester who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) has fallen to its lowest level since before the Covid-19 pandemic, thanks to strong partnership working across the borough.

The latest figures show the NEET rate for Cheshire West and Chester has reduced to 3.62%, down from 4.1% in 2025 and 5% in 2022.

The reduction reflects the work of the Cheshire West and Chester NEET Taskforce, which brings together young people services, education providers, training organisations and community partners to support young people into employment or education.

The achievement is being celebrated during Youth Work Week 2026, recognising the important role youth workers and partner organisations play in helping young people develop confidence, skills and aspirations for the future.

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council and Chair of the NEET Taskforce, said: 

"These figures are a real success story for Cheshire West and Chester and demonstrate the difference that partnership working can make.

"While nationally many areas are seeing increases in the number of young people who are not in education, employment or training, we have worked closely with our partners to understand the challenges facing young people and provide the right support at the right time.

"Behind these figures are hundreds of young people whose lives have been changed through opportunities that build confidence, raise aspirations and help them take their next steps towards education, training or employment.

"During Youth Work Week, it is especially important to recognise the dedication of youth workers and support organisations across the borough who are helping young people overcome barriers and achieve their potential.

“If you are an employer and you want to give a young person an opportunity please email:

YoungPeoplesService@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

The Council have worked with partners to develop a range of flexible pathways to meet the needs of young people who may not be ready to move directly into education, training or employment.

Working with Cheshire College South and West, the Council identified a rise in young people becoming NEET during January and developed alternative start points to help young people engage in learning throughout the year. The college's RISE programme provides a gradual introduction to college life, helping learners gain confidence and prepare for further study.

Helen Nellist, Deputy Principal and Deputy CEO of Cheshire College, South & West and Macclesfield College, said:

“As a college, we have a vital role to play in ensuring that all young people can access the education, support and opportunities they need to achieve their potential. We recognise that a traditional route into college does not work for everyone, which is why programmes such as RISE are so important. By providing flexible entry points and tailored support, we are helping young people build confidence, develop resilience and take positive steps towards further learning and employment.

“The reduction in NEET figures is a testament to the strength of partnership working across Cheshire West and Chester. By working closely with the Council, training providers, youth services and community organisations, we are creating more opportunities for young people and helping them develop the skills, knowledge and aspirations needed for future success. Together, we can continue to ensure that every young person has a clear and supported pathway into education, training or employment.”

The Council has also worked with independent training provider Total People to develop tailored support for vulnerable groups, including young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), those who are home educated and young people experiencing emotional, social and mental health challenges.

Melanie Nicholson, Managing Director of Total People, said:

“The Taskforce’s impact demonstrates what we can achieve for young people by working together. Total People is proud to contribute to the Cheshire West and Chester NEET Taskforce and, with the Council’s support, deliver tailored learning opportunities that help young people build confidence, develop skills and take positive steps towards their future.”

“Our ambition is to build on this success, further strengthening our support in future years for young people in Winsford and across Cheshire West and Chester. Working alongside the Council and our partners, we are committed to creating more flexible, accessible routes into education, training and employment, helping more young people overcome barriers and realise their potential.”

Partnerships with organisations including Youth Federation and The King's Trust have created additional routes into learning and employment for young people who are furthest from the labour market or formal education. Programmes offer gradual and flexible engagement, helping young people build confidence before progressing to further opportunities.

Kevin Bradbune MBE, Director of Operations, Youth Federation said:

“It’s great to see the NEET rate fall to its lowest level since before the pandemic. This reflects the commitment and collaboration of partners across Cheshire West and Chester to create opportunities and remove barriers for young people.”

The Cheshire West and Chester NEET Taskforce, based in Winsford, continues to bring together organisations from across the sector to identify challenges, share intelligence and coordinate support for young people across the borough.

By focusing on understanding young people's experiences since the pandemic and working collaboratively to remove barriers, the partnership has helped more young people access education, training and employment opportunities, contributing to the borough's lowest NEET rate since before Covid-19.

• Current NEET rate in Cheshire West and Chester: 3.62%
• NEET rate in Cheshire West and Chester in 2025: 4.1%
• NEET rate in Cheshire West and Chester in 2022: 5%
• Lowest NEET figure recorded since before the Covid-19 pandemic.
• The Cheshire West and Chester NEET Taskforce is chaired by Councillor Louise Gittins and brings together partners from education, training, youth services and the voluntary sector to support young people into positive destinations.