Out of school child

272 million children, adolescents and youth are out-of-school

The global out-of-school population is now estimated to have been 272 million in 2023, 21 million more than the last estimate, based on the UIS and GEM Report model results, featured in the 2025 SDG 4 Scorecard report.

2025 SDG 4 Scorecard: focus on out-of-school rates

The assesses the probability of countries achieving their national education targets. In total, 164 – or 80% – of countries have submitted benchmark values for at least one of eight SDG 4 benchmark indicators. 

The 2025 SDG 4 Scorecard focuses on the out?of?school rate showing that countries have collectively committed to reduce their out-of-school population by 165 million by 2030. However, it is projected that by 2025 countries will be off track by four percentage points among those of primary and lower secondary school age and by six percentage points among those of upper secondary school age. In total, this means that, already by 2025, countries will be off-track by 75 million relative to their national targets.

This Scorecard shows that the challenge they face is also larger than previously thought. , 21 million more than the last estimate, based on the  

The - a country-owned tool, led by the UNESCO Institute for Statistics and the Global Education Monitoring Report, tracks progress on national and continental education commitments, and is aligned with the monitoring framework of the Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA 16-25).?

2025 SDG 4 Scorecard image

Explore our online monitoring tools:

SDG 4 Scorecard Dashboard

The UNESCO SDG 4 Scorecard dashboard visually displays progress towards countries SDG 4 benchmarks.

Education Profiles

Countries’ laws and policies on key themes in education.

Education Progress

Summaries of key facts and trends in education around the world through five themes.

Education Estimates

Provides estimates of the completion and out of school rates.

Education Inequalities

Highlights circumstances like wealth, gender, ethnicity and location in shaping opportunities for education.

Leadership in education

The examines the requirements of good leadership in education and how they vary between countries and over time. 

Leadership is at the heart of quality education. There is a growing belief that educational leadership is the second most important factor, after teachers, explaining learning outcomes. Leaders at multiple levels matter, from those within the school, to those outside of the school such as middle managers, and including those outside of education systems in government, or those working on legislature and oversight. 

Download the , the , and visit the report page for more online resources.

Latest publications

2025 Latin America Report
2025 Central and Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia report
Education and nutrition: Learn to eat well
2024 Pacific Report - Technology in education
2024 Youth Report - Technology in education: a tool on our terms
Education and climate change: Learning to act for people and planet

Meet the Spotlight children

All children are #Borntolearn. But so many never do. Visit our website which is dedicated to showcasing the education journeys of four school children in Africa, Godfred, Priscilla, Rougui and Pape. As part of the GEM Report Spotlight Series, this platform offers an exclusive glimpse into the lives of these young learners as they navigate their educational paths in diverse contexts.

Embark on a virtual journey as you explore the unique experiences, aspirations, and accomplishments of these remarkable children.

born to lean spotlight children

Only a few countries spend more than 0.7% of their income on aid – and even fewer might do so in the future