Factors that hinder acces to and persistence in post-compulsory education: a challenge for vulnerable groups in Spain

Post-compulsory education constitutes a stage of heigh-
tened vulnerability for certain young people who face con-
ditions of inequality. Young people with disabilities or from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds, immi-
grants, Romani, and women are the primary vulnerable groups in Spain. In addition, other circumstances may pre-
sent a challenge to gaining admission to, persisting in and successfully graduating from post-compulsory education.
Although belonging to one of these groups does not present an obstacle for certain young people in the con-
tinuation of their studies, for others, being a member of a vulnerable group poses a challenge on a daily basis. This
article seeks to identify the factors that render it difficult for
young people belonging to vulnerable groups to continue their post-compulsory studies in Spain. This study has identified familial, personal, institutional, and systemic factors that may explain why certain young people do not have access to post-compulsory schooling or drop out before completing their studies.