We have continually urged universities and NHS Trusts to work together to minimise the drop-out rate of student nurses and midwives, by addressing a range of issues including:the preparation of the clinical mentors who support students during placements;the timing, nature and support provided for students' early experiences of clinical placements;course design to facilitate student progression through successive academic challenges and clinical experiences;availability of student support services for nursing students.The discontinuation rate can most accurately be measured retrospectively, after each cohort has completed its programme...