29 November 2025
Post-16 qualifications drive difference in early career earnings
The Education Policy Institute has published a report based on an analysis of the Longitudinal Educational Outcomes dataset in England, to understand the differences in early career earnings caused by educational choices and attainment.
It found that post-16 qualifications are a key determinant of earnings by the age of 25, with those holding a level 3 qualification likely to ear considerably more on average than those without.
Regardless of post-16 qualifications taken, disadvantaged students on average earn less than non-disadvantaged peers, with the gap for men being £3,250 per year.
A key driver of the gap is attainment at GCSE level, with the gap narrowing for disadvantaged students when GCSE attainment is accounted for. The report highlights the importance of this prior attainment in earnings outcomes.
Read the ‘What you learn and what you earn’ report.
It found that post-16 qualifications are a key determinant of earnings by the age of 25, with those holding a level 3 qualification likely to ear considerably more on average than those without.
Regardless of post-16 qualifications taken, disadvantaged students on average earn less than non-disadvantaged peers, with the gap for men being £3,250 per year.
A key driver of the gap is attainment at GCSE level, with the gap narrowing for disadvantaged students when GCSE attainment is accounted for. The report highlights the importance of this prior attainment in earnings outcomes.
Read the ‘What you learn and what you earn’ report.
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