Barking and Dagenham has experienced the highest increase in the number of young residents attending higher education over the last ten years according to a new report.

 According the ‘Higher Education Journey of Young London Residents’ report from London Councils, the east London borough has seen a 65% increase in young participation from 1030 in 2007/08 to 1700 students in 2016/17. 

The closest London borough to Barking and Dagenham was Ealing with a rise of 29%.

In 2015/16 and 2016/17, a number of London boroughs saw a dip in their numbers, however Barking and Dagenham continued the great work and saw an increase of over 7% in that time.

One of the reasons for the increase is because the borough’s schools are actively supported to promote and engage with higher education through the Aimhigher programme.  This organises a range of events and activities with Higher Education institutions for young people who wish to progress to HE. Previously, the programme was funded nationally, but support from our secondary schools has ensured that Barking and Dagenham is now the only London borough with such a programme.

Councillor Evelyn Carpenter, Cabinet Member for Educational Attainment and School Improvement said: “This is very good news and shows that all of the hard work that has been done by the council, schools, students and parents has paid off.

“This is yet more evidence that Barking and Dagenham is a great place for young people to get an education that helps them achieve their aspirations.”

In the ten year period, the largest increase has been in students attending school sixth forms and sixth form colleges which have seen an increase of 130% and 135%

Nine in ten Barking and Dagenham schools in the borough are rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted.