Long-term outcomes for students who attend alternative provision schools: analysis of a national dataset at national, regional, local and institutional levels

Little is known about the long-term outcomes of students who attend alternative provision (AP) settings. This study set out to analyse data published by the Department for Education which presents long-term education and employment outcomes for school pupils in England. After making comparisons by type of setting at the national level, this analysis focused on alternative provision at regional, local and institutional levels. Findings identify considerable differences in rates of sustained education and employment destinations for students who have attended AP. This suggests an AP setting with over four in 10 of their ex-students in stable education or employment after three years is performing well. Findings also suggest an important role for expectations, extended transitions and local coordination. This study presents a benchmark against which future studies of AP can measure long-term outcomes and providers of AP can judge their work.