Raising the Participation Age (RPA)

The Government (Education and Skills Act 2008) has increased the age at which young people are required to remain in Education or Training. This comes into effect from Summer This DOES NOT mean that young people will be required to stay in school. It simply means that those leaving Year 11 in 2013 will be required to stay ‘in learning’ until the end of the academic year in which they turn 17 years old. Those leaving Year 11 from 2014 and onwards will stay ‘in learning’ until they are 18 years old. What is RPA?

Most young people already take part in Education or Training after they leave school as this gives them the opportunity to gain skills and qualifications that Employers and Universities are looking for. Evidence shows that if young people obtain skills and qualifications after Year 11, it can help them make the most of their potential and to earn more over their lifetime. Young people can gain the skills they need to be positive role models in society, so that they can take advantage of opportunities and contribute to the economy and local community. On average, young people with 2 or more A-levels or other equated qualifications, earn around 14% more than those without. Why have these changes been made?

Young people will be able to choose how they participate in post-16 Education or Training There are a range of options available :- - Full time education e.g. School 6 th form/ 6 th form College / Further Education College. - Apprenticeships – Work Based Learning (leading to a recognised qualification). - Part-time Education or Training (if Employed or Volunteering) for 20 hours or more per week. What are the choices for Education or Training?

Schools play a key role in preparing young people to participate in post-16 Education or Training. Good progression rates to post-16 learning are reflected in destination measures used by DfE and Ofsted. Evidence shows that attainment at 16 is the most important factor influencing post-16 participation and attainment. People with 5 or more GCSEs at A* – C earn on average around 9 – 11 % more than those without. What does it mean for your school?

From September 2012, schools have a duty to secure access for their pupils to Independent, Impartial Careers Guidance. This should include information about the full range of post-16 Education or Training options, including Apprenticeships. Arrange for all pupils to have access for an individual face to face 1:1 Careers Guidance Interview in school. Invite Post-16 Providers into school. What can your school do to support Young People with RPA?

Young People in all year groups need to be made aware of RPA, this could be achieved by:- *Distribution of RPA Leaflets from Local Authority to pupils/parents/carers. *Presentation in Year Assemblies/PHSE Lessons by guest speaker e.g. Careers Guidance Adviser or in-house Careers Co-ordinator. These could be supported with Powerpoint Presentation/Leaflets/Q & A session. RPA could be a topic within Career Lessons/any appropriate lesson.

– information on RPAwww.education.gov.uk – also incorporates NAS National Apprenticeship Service informationwww.apprenticeships.org.uk - information on options after 16www.direct.gov.uk/EducationAndLearning www2.cxdirect.com/home.htm Useful Information/Links