Raising the Participation Age
Raising the Participation Age
Raising the Participation Age (RPA) in England requires young people to continue in some form of education or training until they are 18, but it does not require them to stay in school.
Options include
- full-time education,
- apprenticeships,
- part-time education combined with work or volunteering.
The goal is to improve career prospects and equip young people with the skills and qualifications for a successful working life.
What it means
- Compulsory participation: Young people must continue in education or training until they turn 18. You can leave school the summer you turn 16, provided you are 16 by the end of the summer holidays, but you must then continue with one of the options below.
- Full-time education: Such as school, college or study programme with a training provider.
- Apprenticeships: Earning and training at the same time.
- Part-time education or training: If you are employed, self-employed, or volunteering for at least 20 hours per week.
Benefits
- Improved job prospects: Staying in education or training longer is linked to better employment opportunities and higher earning potential.
- Skill development: It helps young people develop skills and gain qualifications that are valuable in the workplace.
- Access to higher education: Completing further education opens up pathways to university and other higher education options.
- Reduced unemployment risk: Studies show a link between longer participation and a lower risk of unemployment