Aimhigher: Excellence Challenge: a policy evaluation using the Labour Force Survey

This report studies the impact of Aimhigher: Excellence Challenge, using information contained in the Labour Force Survey (LFS) for individuals aged between 16 and 20. The Aimhigher: Excellence Challenge policy was introduced in September 2001 in the same areas as those targeted by the Excellence in Cities (EiC) programme. Its stated aims are to raise aspirations and participation in tertiary education of individuals aged between 14 and 19; a special focus is on the targeting of people with a disadvantaged background. Individuals in Local Education Authorities (LEAs) where the programme was introduced are compared to individuals in LEAs where the policy was not implemented. The difference in average outcomes over time is compared for Aimhigher: Excellence Challenge LEAs and the comparison group of LEAs outside the programme.