Raising the Participation Age – was does this mean for students at Priory?

What are the statutory requirements of RPA for students? The Government is increasing the age to which all young people in England must continue in education or training, requiring them to continue until the end of the academic year in which they turn 17 from 2013 and until their 18th birthday from Young people must choose one of the following options post-16: full-time education e.g. college an apprenticeship part-time education or training if they are employed, self- employed or volunteering full-time (which is defined as 20 hours or more a week).

What is the current picture nationally?

70.6% are in Full Time Education 7.3% are NEET Source: Statistical First Release, Participation in EET (June 2011) What are year olds currently engaged in nationally? 5.7% are in Work Based Learning 8.2% are in Training 8.3% are in Jobs Without Training

How does the compare with Priory students’ destinations?

2012 leavers – Priory School

Post 16 Learning and Training What does this mean for Priory students? Further Education eg Sussex Downs College, Plumpton, City College Sixth Form eg BHASVIC, Sussex Downs, Varndean, Uckfield Work Based Training: private training providers Apprenticeships: employment with training – level 2 or 3 Employment: with training (not apprenticeship) Volunteering: with a qualification

What are the statutory requirements of RPA for schools? Section 29 of the Education Act 2011 places schools under a duty to secure access to independent careers guidance for their pupils in school years 9 to 11. Careers guidance secured under the new duty must: be presented in an impartial manner; include information on the full range of post-16 education or training options, including apprenticeships; and promote the best interests of the pupils to whom it is given.

How does Priory fulfil these requirements? Careers Education delivered through a Life Skills programme, through subjects and in tutor period Assembly programme, work experience, alternative timetable days (e.g. Take Over Day), options evening, post-16 event, speakers etc Access to careers advisor and careers library Careers section on Moodle Close monitoring of post-16 application process Students, staff and parents made aware of RPA Contribution to ESCC research on post-16 transition ESCC strategic visit undertaken Priory accredited with Investor in Careers Full Award Priory School ESCC RPA Champion

What impact has this had? In comparison with similar schools in East Sussex Priory students make “outstanding” progression in terms of destinations post % 2011 year 11 cohort are currently in further education which compares favourably with the East Sussex average of 87.39%. 0.86% of 2011 year 11 cohort are currently NEET which compares favourably with the East Sussex average of 2.63% % had an offer of education or training (September Guarantee) which compares favourably with the east Sussex average of 94.61%. No students were recorded as undecided on their intended destination which compares favourably with the East Sussex average of 0.67%.

What do these statistics show? Priory School provides students with the careers education, information, advice and guidance necessary to make informed decisions about their post-16 options. Informed decisions means students are more likely to enrol on appropriate courses / work training opportunities which they are more likely to complete. Likely to be happier and have improved life chances

Areas of concern/key issues Online applications could mean more difficult for the Priory to monitor students’ applications and to provide any support required. Strict criteria for intensive support from TYS/CRI could mean some students struggle to make a good transition into post-16 learning. Post-16 establishments involve parents more? - important if attendance / engagement concerns. Need for ESCC to consider a communication campaign for parents and employers across the county

How can parents support their children? Read college websites / brochures Visit colleges on open days / evenings Research possible career pathways (Moodle is useful) Help with decision-making Help with application process Attend college parents’ evenings Help find apprenticeship work placements

Thank you for listening! Any questions / comments?