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ABSTRACTIncreasing numbers of youngsters are at risk of early school leaving. In this study, we examine educational decision-making of inner-city youth during their educational trajectories and how this could contribute to the decision to leave school without an educational qualification. Based on interviews with 34 youngsters in a Flemish city (Antwerp, Belgium; 2014–2016), our findings show that the educational trajectories of these youngsters were very diverse in terms of educational choices, characterized by frequent, illogical movements across fields of study, institutions and type of educational programmes. These educational trajectories can be seen as the result of a series of short-term decisions made throughout the school career, in which youngsters relied on the information available within their social networks. Educational decisions seemed influenced by the often precarious living conditions in which these youngsters live. The value of education is constantly negotiated against the importance of other life domains.