- Just half of Britain’s 13-to-16-year-olds say marriage is important to them in adulthood
- Instead, the next generation to become adults put their focus on financial independence, networks of friends and property
- Despite a clear vision for their future, only half (52%) feel ready for adult life
- Nine in 10 (86%) say they would feel more ready if schools taught more life skills
15 April 2026: The next generation of Britons to become adults are so focused on their futures that six in 10 (58%) say they already have set goals they want to achieve by a specific age.
Among the top aspirations of Britain’s driven 13-to-16-year-olds are securing financial independence (93%), building a network of close friends (90%) and getting on the property ladder (85%).
However, more traditional life goals are out with just over half (56%) saying having children is important to them, while fewer still (51%) mention marriage.
Parents may also be pleased to know that going ‘viral’ or achieving a social media following – a trait often perceived of their older Gen Z peers, is only cited as ‘very important’ by fewer than a fifth (17%).
Despite this clear vision for what they want their futures to be, only half (52%) feel ready for adult life – and three-quarters (76%) believe academic knowledge alone is not enough to prepare them, according to the research from PGL Beyond.
In fact, four in five (82%) of these Generation Alphas say practical skills are just as important as academic grades, which almost all (92%) of parents agreed – and a similar number of teens (83%) would like more opportunities at school to develop real-world skills, such as budgeting.
Overall, nearly nine in 10 (86%) say they would be better prepared for adulthood if they had the opportunity to learn more life skills at school.
Among the life skills Generation Alpha feel they need to develop most are confidence (58%), money management (54%) and communication (49%).
Many say they also need to work on their problem-solving (44%), time management (41%) and teamwork (38%) to achieve their goals.
However, school and college are no longer the gold standard for them, only ranking third (45%) when asked where they will learn these skills.
Instead, Generation Alpha are turning to parents (56%), work experience placements (52%) and hands-on experience (43%) to prepare them for life after education.
Dr John Allan, Head of Impact & Breakthrough Learning from PGL Beyond, said: “Generation Alpha, many of whom are now approaching adulthood, are clear about what they want from their future. But our research shows many don’t yet feel ready for what comes next, particularly when it comes to the confidence, independence and practical skills needed to navigate life after education.
“At a time when too many young people are struggling to move into employment or find their way beyond school, it’s clear that academic learning alone isn’t enough. Young people need opportunities to build real-life skills, to try things for themselves, work with others, solve problems and develop resilience.
“Through our Skills4Life programme, we offer young people the opportunity to step outside their comfort zones, build confidence and develop the skills and mindset they need to prepare for work and adult life.”
