Teaching union NASUWT’s general secretary Dr Patrick Roach said the rise was “a reflection of years of failure of the previous government to create the opportunities and pathways to allow all young people to succeed and feel hope for their futures.

“The most marginalised young people are those most likely to be Neet, including young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, ethnic minority young people, care-experienced young people and those with special educational needs and disabilities.

“There is also a geographical imbalance, with the number of young people classed as Neet much higher in the north-east of England compared to the south.

“Any programme to get young people back into work or education must recognise and be capable of addressing these disparities.”

He said government’s youth guarantee “has the potential to begin to address the persistently high rates” of Neets but will require the provision of external specialist advisors to make a genuine difference.

Vocational education and apprenticeships also needed further attention.