What does this mean?

You will be required to stay in learning or training up to 18 years of age.

Why?

By staying in learning you can gain the qualifications you need to help you succeed. You will also have the chance to develop the knowledge and practical skills that employers are looking for. This means that you will find it easier to get a job, with better pay and career prospects.

What’s in it for me?

• Staying in learning will give you many advantages including:
• Making it easier to find and stay in a job.
• Having the ability to earn and giving you a greater choice of career path.
• Being able to compete in the job market.
• Different ways of learning that are linked to what you want to do in the future such as run a business, go to university or undertake an apprenticeship.

What options can I choose from?

These are the options you can choose from:

• Full time education: such as college
• Work based learning: such as apprenticeships
• Part time education or training: if you are employed, self-employed or if you volunteer for 20 hours or more per week.

Your choices at 16 include

• Further Education College
• Sixth Form
• Apprenticeship
• Traineeship
• Independent providers
• Work with training
• Self-employment with training
• Volunteering with training
• Supported internship

Can I do nothing?

No.  The purpose of raising the participation age is to provide you with more time to develop the skills required to follow a successful career and working life.

What about Maths and English?

If you do not achieve a grade 4 or better in Maths or English by the end of year 11 you will be required to carry on studying these – at college or as an apprenticeship – as no institution will receive public funding to teach you up to the age of 19 unless you continue to work towards achieving Level 2 in maths and English. This is because of the vital importance and powerful labour market value of a good GCSE in maths and English. (Adapted from ‘Careers guidance and inspiration in schools: Statutory guidance for governing bodies, school leaders and school staff –April 2017)