Government figures show Merton has more young people in education or training than the national and London average.

Ninety-three per cent of the borough’s 16 and 17-year-olds are in education and training in comparison with the national average of 92.1 per cent.

Merton Council cabinet member for education Councillor Martin Whelton said: "These figures are very encouraging as one of our top priorities is to ensure our young people, who choose to stay on at school or college, benefit from a good quality education and those who want to gain vocational experience can benefit from excellent training.

"The number of our young people in education and training has also been steadily increasing year on year, and we will continue to work with them to ensure that they make the most of the opportunities education and training can offer."

One way Merton has tackled the issue of youth education and training is the Take One initiative.

This scheme has provided a link between local businesses and unemployed young people in the borough who are struggling to find work.


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