Education, Inequality and Teenage Pregnancy in England: Policy Lessons for Equitable Support

• In Event: Virtual Poster Session
  In Virtual iPresentation Only: Division L - Section 6: Social Policy, Inequality, and Student Outcomes Virtual Poster Session

Abstract

England’s teenage‑pregnancy rate has fallen sharply since 1999, yet stark inequalities remain. Viewing pregnancy through an education-policy lens, this paper analyses the decade-long Teenage Pregnancy Strategy and allied initiatives such as Sure Start. Policy documents and first‑hand reflections from a veteran practitioner converge on one lesson: integrated, place‑based support works. Better sex education, walk‑in sexual‑health clinics, and sustained help for young parents cut conception rates while keeping more adolescents engaged in school. The English experience shows that reducing teenage pregnancy is less about single programmes and more about building a cross‑sector approach. These community-anchored systems give all young people the knowledge, services, and support they need to thrive.

Authors

• Yingxiang Chen, University of Bath

• Liang Yuitan, Shenzhen Senior High School (Group) North Campus