Hidden NEETs and AI in Schools

Wednesday, 9 September 2026 — Spotting unseen learners and using AI wisely

Top Stories

Policy

42,000 College Students Hiding in NEET Stats ↗

A shocking 42,000 students are enrolled but severely absent, meaning official NEET numbers could be nearly double. This attendance blind spot needs urgent attention from schools and policymakers.

Source: FE Week
AI

Can AI Truly Recognise Student Needs? ↗

Universities are using AI in tutoring, feedback and lecturing. But the big question remains: does AI really understand what each student needs? Practical, well-trained use of AI is critical to support learning.

Source: Campus Review
SEND

Rethinking Disability Reform for Schools ↗

Italy’s new disability reform shifts perspectives and directly affects schools’ work. Three webinars will help teachers understand these important changes in practice.

Source: Orizzonte Scuola
Research

Babies Born to Anaemic Mothers Show Brain Differences ↗

New research finds key brain regions linked to learning and emotions are smaller in babies born to anaemic mothers. This highlights the crucial role of maternal health for early cognitive development.

Source: The Guardian
Al's Take
The NEET figures just keep getting murkier. Tens of thousands of young people are enrolled but barely showing up. Schools and colleges need to spot these hidden absences early and act fast. On the tech side, AI is everywhere but schools still need practical training to use it well. It’s not about replacing teachers but helping them do their best.

Number of the Day

42,000
The number of college students who are ‘hidden NEETs’ due to severe absence, meaning the true NEET figure could be nearly double the official count. (FE Week)

Jobs Spotlight

Deputy Trust Estates Manager
Hampton Academies Trust · Cambridgeshire
Personal Assistant to Chief Officer
West Dunbartonshire Council · West Dunbartonshire, Scotland · £31,625.52 - £33,468.67
Team Leader - Newcraigielea
Shetland Islands Council · Shetland, Scotland · £53,367.92 - £55,221.35
Principal Teacher - Outreach Support Service
North Ayrshire Council · North Ayrshire, Scotland · £66,759

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Worth a Read

Young people, learning, and generative AI: A rapid literature review ↗

by Dr Matthew Hill

A quick, clear rundown of how AI is shaping learning for young people and what schools need to consider. Practical insights for anyone thinking about AI in education.

Coming Up

researchED Cape Town 2026 ↗ — 12 Sep 2026, South Africa
Learning Impact Europe 2026 ↗ — 15-17 Sep 2026, Europe
researchED Cork 2026 ↗ — 19 Sep 2026, Ireland

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← 8 September 2026
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