Their future choices Did you know that soon all young people will be required to stay in education, training or employment with training until they are 18? Raising of the Participation Age Information for Parents and Carers
What is the Raising of the Participation Age? Raising of the Participation Age (RPA) is a government policy which increases the minimum age at which young people in England can leave learning. It means from summer 2013 all young people will be required to participate in education, training or employment with training until the end of the academic year in which they turn 17 and from summer 2015 onwards until their 18th birthday. Why is this needed? As job roles change, employers are looking for people with more skills, training and qualifications. Staying in learning allows your child to access more choice of future career paths and ultimately will give them greater earning potential. Research shows that young people with level 3 qualifications (eg A Levels or BTEC) earn on average 25 per cent more over their lifetime than those without level 3 qualifications. Does this mean staying at school until the age of 18? Not necessarily. Raising of the Participation Age does not mean raising the school leaving age, nor does it mean that every young person needs to be in full time education. Young people will be able to choose from one of the following options: Full-time education, such as school or college Work-based learning, such as an Apprenticeship Part-time education or training if they are employed, self employed or volunteering for more than 20 hours a week. They will have the choice of lots of different qualifications including A Levels, further GCSEs, Apprenticeships and vocational courses. 2 3
Learning Routes at 13 or 14, 16 and 18 To give you an idea of the learning routes that are available take a look at the diagram below A Levels Higher Education Apprenticeships Further Education 13 or 14 GCSE Learning 16 Employment with training Volunteering Apprenticeships 18 Employment Foundation Learning Learning Employment with training Foundation Learning Gap year GCSE - Apprenticeships - GCSE and A Level qualifications are available in many different subjects. Apprenticeships allow young people to learn at work and gain qualifications at the same time. Foundation Learning - Foundation learning courses combine practical experiences with basic maths, English and ICT. This is for learners who are not ready for a full level 2 qualification. Learning - There are many applied/vocational learning courses including BTECs, OCR Nationals and NVQs. For further information visit: www. i-essex.co.uk 4 5
How can I help my child? Suggest they talk to their careers teachers or tutors Talk to them about the benefits of staying in learning after they are 16 and about the different learning routes that are available (see learning routes diagram on pages 4 and 5). Encourage them to access the i-essex website (www.i-essex.co.uk). What financial support is available? Currently families can still claim Child Benefit whilst their child is in full time post-16 education and some forms of training. Depending on your circumstances, you may also be eligible for additional benefits. A Bursary scheme is in place to help 16-19 year olds in full time education or training who most need financial support. This includes support if your child is in care or is a care leaver, is claiming income support or is disabled and receiving Employment Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance. Details about how the Bursary scheme operates in particular sixth forms and colleges can be obtained from the institutions themselves. For the latest information on Child Benefit go to www.direct.gov.uk or call the Child Benefit helpline on 08453 021 444 For general information about the 16-19 Bursary scheme and other allowances go to www.direct.gov.uk/moneytolearn or call the Learner Support helpline on 0800 121 8989 6 7
This information is issued by Essex County Council, RPA Team, Schools and Education Service. You can contact us in the following ways: By email: rpa.enquiries@essex.gov.uk Visit our website: www.i-essex.co.uk By telephone: 0845 643 0430 By post: Essex County Council, RPA Team, Schools and Education Service PO Box 47, County Hall, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 6WN Read our online magazine at essex.gov.uk/ew Follow us on Find us on Essex_CC facebook.com/essexcountycouncil The information contained in this document can be translated, and/or made available in alternative formats, on request. Published March 2012 DS11 2850