The Further Education Student Progression – AI Companion

An AI companion designed to reduce student dropout rates and prevent NEET outcomes
by providing 24/7 student support throughout the further education (FE) journey.

The Challenge

The dropout crisis is real: National statistics show that one in three Level 2 learners in Further Education fail to complete their courses – compared with one in five at Level 3. Similar retention challenges persist across other qualification levels.
This highlights the urgent need for targeted, early-intervention support to improve learner retention and progression outcomes.

Government response: In December 2025, the government announced an £820 million Youth Guarantee funding package, recognising that “too many young people fall out of education unnoticed, crippling their life chances and denting the economy”. The government has committed to improved attendance tracking and early-warning systems to identify young people at risk of dropping out and enable timely intervention.

The progression support gap: Students face critical
moments of doubt during their studies, at evenings and weekends when traditional support isn’t always available. Tutors and Careers Advisers can’t be there at 10pm when uncertainty sets in.

The FutureTrack Solution

Building understanding, one conversation at a time: Through ongoing conversations, FutureTrack creates a comprehensive picture of each student’s, interests, motivation, goals, and challenges. Students gain self-awareness for their own planning; tutors and careers advisers gain the context needed for truly personalised support.

24/7 AI-powered support that catches the wobble before it becomes a withdrawal.

Continuous accessible support from course doubts to career motivation and confidence – keeping students engaged and on track.

Human-enhanced support that scales your team’s impact without replacing the personal touch from a tutor and/or expert career guidance adviser.

Aligned with national priorities: FutureTrack directly
supports the government’s commitment to early intervention
and risk prevention.

The Evidence Base

Retention impact: Colleges face significant financial pressure from student withdrawal, with the 16 to 19 funding formula providing only 50% of programme funding for learners who do not complete their studies.

Return on Investment: High quality careers and
employability interventions consistently deliver positive return on investment (ROI) for both student and employers. Comprehensive early intervention approaches – combining holistic support and timely identification of at risk students – have proven effective in reducing dropout and NEET rates.8

When students need support most: Research shows critical support moments occur during evenings and weekends – times when traditional services are unavailable but when student doubts intensify.

Policy alignment: The government has invested £34 million in a new “risk of NEET indicator tool” (RONI) to give local areas more accurate insights into youth unemployment and provide targeted support.10 FutureTrack provides real-time early warning capability.

Option 1: Standalone FutureTrack

Your gateway to AI powered student progression.
Designed for colleges committed to retention and
wellbeing, this solution offers quick self check ins
that help learners reflect on their course, motivation
and next step options.

Option 2: FutureTrack + CiCi Integration

A complete student support solution that blends
progression monitoring with rich access to careers
information, advice and human expertise. Students
move seamlessly from staying on track to planning their future – all within one integrated experience.