Connexions: an outbreak in purple and orange

Connexions is a new support service for all young people aged 13-19 in England. This article traces the origins of the Connexions Strategy and some of the main principles on which it is based. One of the main factors which brought it about was concern about the number of 16-18 year olds not in any form of education, employment or training. Reducing this is one of the main targets of Connexions although it is intended to be a universal as well as a targeted service. The article examines some of the main challenges being faced and what is distinctive about its approach.