This research looks at the challenges facing 16-18 year olds living in rural areas in accessing appropriate opportunities for education and work based learning. It also considers the possible implications of accessibility constraints on students’ attainment and on social mobility.
The research refers to a variety of published research and statistics. It is also informed by responses to an on-line survey, replies to a questionnaire and a small number of more in-depth telephone interviews. Whilst this research makes no claims that participants’ observations are necessarily statistically representative of rural England as a whole, a number of key themes emerge which trigger concern and strongly suggest the need for more extensive research.