Educational trajectories and inequalities of political engagement among adolescents in England

Through analysing longitudinal data this article explores the effect of education trajectories between the ages 14–19 on voting and protesting at age 20 taking into account both type of education (vocational/academic) and level of qualifications (Levels 1–3). We find that these trajectories exert an independent effect on both outcomes. Gaining low level qualifications (up to Level 2) and in particular low level vocational qualifications diminishes the chances of political participation relative to Level 3 and academic qualifications. Whilst a wider range of qualifications are conducive to voting, only Level 3 academic qualifications support protesting relative to other qualifications. Post-14 education thus seems to make protesting more of an elite affair. Considering that the vast majority of students in the vocational and lower-level pathways come from low SES families, the undermining influence of these pathways on political participation will be felt disproportionally among the group of socially disadvantaged students. •The effects of education trajectories on voting in UK general election and protesting.•We find that education trajectories have an independent effect.•Low level vocational qualifications are not supporting political engagement.•Gaining either type of level 3 qualification is crucial for voting.•Only academic level 3 qualifications support protesting.