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There are comparatively low levels of non-compulsory educational participation in the UK. In 2001, about a fifth of 17 year olds (22.2% of males and 19.1% of females) were neither in education nor training. This systematic review investigates why these young people do not participate in postcompulsory education. It addresses the question of what are the factors that influence learner participation in the second year of postcompulsory education or training. The review yields two products: a detailed description of the kinds of research that have addressed this question (a descriptive map) and an in-depth synthesis of the findings of research that best relates to this question. The map reveals that other kinds of data need to be collected, for example, about students transferring from one institution or course to another, and that more needs to be known about participation in vocational qualifications, such as modern apprenticeships. The synthesis reveals many factors associated with participation: achievement at school; family background; poverty; availability of financial aid; and labour market demand for qualifications. The research identified gaps in coverage, such as the effects of regulations, entry requirements, and supply and demand in the labour market on participation, evaluations of schemes initiated to address non-participation, how pre-16 school experience influences participation, and a broader review of research into participation of the wider 16-19 age range, where the factors are considered separately for 16+, 17+ and 18+ groups and in combination.