Research into the use and effectiveness of Risk of NEET Indicators (RONIs)

The proportion of young people aged 16-24 who are Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET) stood at 12.7% (946,000 young people) in September 2025. Factors such as poor mental health, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), school exclusion, and low GCSE attainment are associated with an increased risk of becoming NEET. Risk of NEET Indicators (RONI) are being used by local authorities (LAs) in England to identify and support young people at risk before they leave compulsory education or training.

We commissioned IFF Research to conduct research into the use and effectiveness of RONIs across England, focusing on the extent and manner of their use, ability to capture risk, and effectiveness in targeting support for secondary school-aged young people (approximately age 11-16).

The research included a scoping phase comprising expert interviews, a call for evidence, and a pilot literature search. Due to the scarcity of published evidence, particularly evaluations of RONI effectiveness, a case study approach was adopted in place of a full rapid evidence assessment (REA).

Seven LAs, sampled by region, urban-rural classification, and NEET rate, were selected for the case studies, which were informed by interviews with LA, Careers Hub, and school representatives. A discussion session with young people aged 15-17 on the availability and effectiveness of support was also conducted.

• There is substantial variation in how RONI tools are developed and implemented across LAs, and in the support provided to young people identified as being at risk of NEET. This includes variations in whether the process is led by the LA or by schools, and how data-driven the approach to RONIs is. 

• Some areas have developed sophisticated, data driven RONI tools, incorporating live data updates and data from multiple sources. Others rely more heavily on informal processes and school-led assessments. 

• Across all areas, stakeholders emphasised that a young person’s context can never be fully captured by a RONI tool. School input into the RONI process is vital to capture factors such as family circumstances, motivation, and support already in place. 

• Local authorities generally believe that their RONIs are effectively capturing risk of NEET, but they reported challenges in tracking outcomes beyond age 18. No areas had undergone independent evaluations of their RONI processes. 

• The research identified several barriers which inhibit the ability of schools and local authorities to interpret RONI data and implement timely, appropriate interventions. These include lack of resources at both LA and school level, patchy engagement from schools, and challenges with data sharing.