THE number of 16 and 17 years old in education or training has risen across the county.

Figures released by the Department for Education shows that as of December 2014 88.1 percent of young people are in education or training positions, compared to 68.9 percent in December 2013.

John Edwards, Worcestershire County Council's strategic commissioner for education services, said: "It's great to see this significant improvement in the number of young people taking part in education or training.

"2013 saw a disappointingly high amount of young people who were unknown to us but, after we have improved our relationship with schools and colleges and increased our resources to track these young people, this has improved dramatically.

"Improving outcomes for young people is one of our highest priorities so it's great to see that the range of opportunities available, as well as the support received from families and professionals, is encouraging more young people to further their education or training."

Worcestershire County Council says that this increase is largely due to the improved range of education and training opportunities available to young people, as well as the support given to young people by their families, schools and professionals.

The council has also made a significant improvement to the number of young people whose education and training status is known to them.

In 2013, the status of 73.5 percent of 16 and 17 year olds was known by the county council.

Through the development of new analysis tools, and improved information sharing with schools and colleges, the council now knows the status of 93 percent of 16 and 17 year olds across the county.