Solent business links to schools give youngsters a brighter future than anywhere else, study says

The Careers & Enterprise Company's (CEC) State of the Nation reporter for this year places Solent schools and colleges among the highest-achieving in the country.

The figures are based upon eight key Gatsby benchmarks overseeing education quality.

The news has been welcomed by Solent LEP which has been working with the CEC since 2015 on boasting links between education and work.

The partnership has seen the creation of the Solent Enterprise Adviser Network which bridges the gap between education and employers with the use of volunteer advisers who visit schools and colleges.

Solent LEP also runs a Careers Hub that unites schools and colleges, with universities, training providers, employers and career professionals, to improve careers education.

Rachael Randall, LEP board member leading on skills said: '˜Young people are our future, so it is vitally important we inspire and support them to successfully enter the workplace.'