THE findings of an annual survey by Careers Wales, which revealed that more teenagers are choosing to stay on in full-time education, are to be welcomed.

According to figures released yesterday, 85.1 per cent of high school pupils chose to stay on in full time education beyond Year 11 last year.

This represents a small increase on the previous year. But, more importantly, it highlights a positive trend which has been seen over the past few years.

The encouraging results are doubly welcome given the current economic climate.

But what must not be forgotten is the number of people not in education, employment or training after the age of 18.

Tackling the number of these “Neets”, as they are termed, has to be a priority for the Assembly.

In our view every teenager leaving school without the prospect of a a job or training on the horizon represents a tragedy which we ignore at our peril.

For too long far too many teenagers seem to just fall out of the system at this age.

This can then lead to longterm unemployment, with all the resulting complications that brings.

So while we welcome the increasing numbers of children staying on in education after the age of 16, we do hope that the focus is not lost on those who two years later can be left high and dry.