England has a longstanding problem with youngsters dropping out of training. Almost half of 17-year-olds in some parts of England have dropped out of fulltime education or training. The statistics show 49% in Thurrock and 44% in Salford have dropped out of school or job training.     Across England,31%of 17-year-olds are not in education or training.     The figures also reveal deep regional divides,with wealthier areas such as Richmon and Harrow recording18% of 17-year-olds out of official education.     The statistics confirm England's poor international standing for staying-on rates in education.     The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development considers England's drop-out rates as among the worst among the industrialised countries.     Regionally,the statistics show Yorkshire and the Humber have the highest rate of 17-year-olds not in full-time education or work-based training at 35%.     Outer London has the highest staying-on rate,with l3%of 17-year-olds having dropped out of official learning.     In the east of England this figure stands at 31%and at 29%in the South West.     Edward Davey,Liberal Democrat Shadow Education Secretary,said the government "should be ashamed"that so many youngsters were dropping out of school.     A spokesman for the Department for Education and Skills said the government had carried out a series of reforms,with aPS2.5 billion rise in funding for further education. This text mainly talks about  _
why so many 17-year-olds have dropped out of education the troubles facing 17-year--olds across whole England how the government helps 17-year-olds to go back to school the problem with 17-year-olds dropping out of school in England