Raising the participation age

Young people currently in Year 8 will continue in education or training to 17, and the current Year 7 (who started secondary school in September 2009) will continue until they are 18.

This change does not necessarily mean staying in school. Young people will be able to choose one of the following routes:
• full-time education, such as school, college or home education.
• 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.

Young people will get the support they need to access these opportunities. This will include good quality information, advice and guidance and financial support. There will also be support for young people facing additional barriers.

In 2009, just under 95% of 16 year olds in the West of England chose full-time education, work-based training or full-time employment with training. Annual Activity Survey 2009.