Teenagers are currently unprepared for life beyond education, according to nearly two-thirds (62 per cent) of parents surveyed by PGL Beyond, the UK’s leading provider of adventure education beyond the classroom.
Ahead of the publication of Professor Becky Francis’ Curriculum and Assessment Review and the Government’s National Youth Strategy, eight in ten parents (79 per cent) say practical and life skills should be taught in schools, underlining the demand for education that goes beyond exams.
Eighty-five percent of parents wish they had allowed their children more freedom to learn independently, while nearly all (96 per cent) believe that learning through trial and error is key to gaining real independence.
Anthony Jones, CEO of PGL Beyond, said:
“With almost one million young people currently not in education, employment or training, – the highest figure in over a decade – developing practical life skills and workplace readiness has become a national priority.
“There is a clear need for opportunities that allow young people to practise the interpersonal, problem-solving, and practical skills essential for independence and employability.
“Schools provide the foundation for young people’s future careers, but teachers can only achieve so much in the classroom, and there is a definite need to complement this through outdoor experiences. ”
To meet this skills gap, PGL Beyond – the parent group of PGL which includes school trip providers NST, EST and StudyLink Tours – has launched Skills4Life, a new programme delivered through its iconic PGL brand, using practical, challenge-based experiences designed to help young people develop life skills, known as the 4 C’s. These essential skills of Communication, Creativity, Critical thinking and Collaboration are highly sought after by employers and underpin the resilience needed for young people to make effective transitions into the workplace.
Dr John Allan, Head of Impact and Breakthrough Learning at PGL Beyond, said:
“Independence, collaboration, empathy and adaptability are essential qualities that will help anyone succeed in the face of life’s challenges. Parents recognise that these resilient behaviours are best learnt through meaningful experiences – giving young people the freedom to try, fail and succeed for themselves.
“PGL Beyond’s Skills4Life programme is designed to equip the next generation with the intrapersonal, relational and vocational skills to help them succeed in life.”
The survey of 2,000 parents of teens aged 13–19 found that many young people struggle to master the interpersonal and practical skills that underpin long-term success.
Among the most important life lessons parents want their teens to learn are:
- A strong work ethic (66%)
- Confidence (64%)
- The ability to stand up for themselves (54%)
- Problem-solving (50%)
- Prioritising mental health (48%)
Through Skills4Life, PGL Beyond aims to contribute to the national discussion, working alongside policymakers, schools, youth organisations, the third sector and local authorities to help deliver the goals of the forthcoming National Youth Strategy, through the power of outdoor adventure and experiences.
Notes to editors:
- Survey of 2,000 parents of children aged 13 to 19 was commissioned by PGL Beyond and conducted by Perspectus Global in September 2025.
- Top 20 skills parents most want their teens to learn:
- To cook a meal – 78%
- To have a good work ethic – 66%
- To respect their elders – 64%
- To have confidence – 64%
- To be kind – 62%
- To make healthy food choices – 61%
- To live within their means – 59%
- To respect themselves – 58%
- To be able to manage their money wisely – 58%
- To keep a tidy room/house – 57%
- To respect other people’s views – 54%
- To stand up for themselves – 54%
- To be polite and courteous – 53%
- To have empathy – 52%
- To keep learning – 52%
- To be able to think for themselves – 52%
- To be able to solve problems by themselves – 50%
- To spend time away from their phone – 49%
- To be physically fit – 49%
- To be able to work with others – 48%
