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This article sets out to explore the voices of young people who have dropped out of school, based on a survey conducted among almost 3,000 people. The study of this data (analysis of textual data, clustering, statistical models) yields significant results. Early school leaving is often the culmination of a pre-existing negative school experience, rather than an accidental break in a pathway. It reflects different school experiences, depending on the level of school attainment and the relationship with the educational institution. These experiences vary according to gender, social background and school career, and they have a bearing on the prospects of returning to education and on the school-to-work transition.