Raising the Participation Age

What does it mean?

The minimum age at which young people in England can leave learning has been increased; students will be required to stay until their 18th birthday.

These changes do not mean young people will be required to stay in school. There will be three ways in which young people can participate post-16: full-time education in a school or college; an apprenticeship; part-time accredited learning if they are in full-time employment or volunteering.

Please visit the Department for Education website for further information about what raising the participation age (RPA) will mean for young people, parents, schools and colleges, employers and local authorities.