GIRLS were more likely than boys to be in stable work or education within 12 months of leaving school in Wiltshire last year.

Department for Education statistics show that 87 per cent of female students who finished their 16-18 study in 2016-17 were in education, employment or an apprenticeship the following year, compared to 83 per cent of male school leavers.

Overall, 11 per cent of students in Wiltshire were not in sustained education, employment or an apprenticeship within a year of leaving school, which is lower than national averages but still concerning to education leaders.

In Wiltshire, 47 per cent of girls opted for continuing their education – including university, further education college, and other courses – while 41 per cent of boys chose to study.

The figures also show 34 per cent of girls went into work, compared to 31 per cent of boys.

But 11 per cent of boys opted for an apprenticeship, while six per cent of girls chose this kind of training.

Across England, 84 per cent of girls, and 79 per cent of boys, were in education, employment or training.

The figures cover pupils from state-funded mainstream schools and colleges, six months after leaving school..

A Department for Education spokeswoman said the statistics do not show “a complete picture”, as private students, those who studied abroad or people working in short-term jobs are not included.

She added: “Young people aged 16-18 are participating in education and training at their highest rate since consistent records began, and the overall proportion of 16-24-year-olds not in education, employment or training has fallen since 2010.”

Youth Employment UK, which works to reduce youth unemployment, says young men and women are given different career advice throughout their education, with female students hearing more about academic routes.

Julie McCulloch, of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: “It is of huge concern that one in eight 18-year-olds appear to drift into a netherworld of insecurity and aimlessness after 14 years of education. There will be many differing situations behind the statistics, but there is no disguising the fact that too many young people are slipping through the cracks.”