What it means: students in state-funded schools and colleges in England who completed A levels or other level 3 qualifications, and then stayed in degree-level study or a higher apprenticeship for at least six months by age 19. It shows progression for people taking the usual route, not the share of the whole population. Figures take time to follow up, so the latest cohort finished school in 2023. A change of one point or more counts.

Source: DfE, progression to higher education or training.