Schools are effectively "locking out" more than a million young people from education, training or employment, the Prince's Trust has warned.

A report by the trust, which was founded by the Prince of Wales, said a lack of qualifications and vocational experience were the main barriers faced by an underclass of 1.2 million youngsters between 16 and 24.

Forum Response: The Prince's Trust

Sir Tom Shebbeare, chief executive of The Prince's Trust said: "More than 600,000 16 to 24 year-olds are not in education, training or employment and a further 579,000 are claiming unemployment benefit - that is nearly 20 per cent of the age group.

"This research not only shows that many of these young people are facing significant barriers, but - crucially - they aren't picked up soon enough, while there is a realistic prospect of getting their lives back on track.

"At this time of year, many young people are planning for their future as they wait for their GCSE, A-level or degree results. But for the young people we spoke to, such concerns are a world away. These are the young people who have most to gain from a second chance in education or training, but society is failing to provide a viable route back in."

Forum Response: CARE

A spokesman for CARE told ePolitix.com: "More can and should be done to tackle the problems associated with social exclusion. It is true that too many disadvantaged young people are being held back by a lack of qualifications, bad behaviour, drug or alcohol abuse, or a criminal record. In CARE's experience, social and parental breakdown is a major reason for this.

"Government policy is too often based on the symptoms of social exclusion and disaffection, rather than focussing on the causes. CARE's work with young offenders shows that at risk young people benefit from relationships, role models and accountability.

"It is the UK's poorest communities which suffer disproportionately from failing schools, drugs and crime. Parents in affluent areas can often afford to change their child's school, and book them into a rehab clinic if they get into trouble with drugs. These options are simply not available to most people in deprived communities.

"Supporting parents and families, particularly in economically poor areas, makes long term sense and will help deliver better outcomes."